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A STANDARD HISTORY
OF
KOSCIUSKO COUNTY
INDIANA
An Authentic Narrative of the Past, with Particular
Attention to the Modern Era in the Commercial.
Industrial, Educational, Civic and Social
Development. A Chronicle of the People,
with Family Lineage and Memoirs.
HON. L. W. ROYSE
Supervisinu: Ei'itor
Assisted by a Board of Advisory Editors
ILLUSTRATED
VOLUME II
PUBMSHKRS
THE LEWIS PUBLISHING C(^MPANY
CHICAGO AND NEW YORK
1919
1320399
History of Kosciusko County
John Frederick Be\t;r. Kosciusko County eould claim no bet-
ter citizen and one of more distinctive achievements during the past
thirty-eight years than John Frederick Beyer of Warsaw. It was
Mr. Beyer who was the primary factor in establishing one of the
largest provision packing and commission firms in Northern Indiana,
and as this concern is still in operation in Warsaw, there need be no
further reminder of his connection with that widely known com-
mercial enterprise. However, Mr. Beyer has made more than a com-
mercial success, and has been one of the vital energizers and up-
builders in the county and the City of Warsaw.
A native of Germany, he was born in the Kingdom of Hesse
Cassel, now a part of Pitissia, October 17, 1850. He was one of a
family of five sons, whose parents were August and Mary (Eckhart)
Beyer. His father died when his youngest child was three months
old, and the widow subsequently married George Pfeifer, by whom
she had four more children.
Of the five sons, J. Frederick Beyer was the second. His older
brother is still living on a fami in Germany. Reared in an attractive
section of rui-al Germany, after leaving the common or volk schools
he served a thorough five years' apprenticeship in the blacksmith's
trade. In 1869, at the age of nineteen, he came to America to visit
relatives. The steamer "Donau" on which he made the passage
was twelve days in crossing the Atlantic. In his company was his
brother Albert. He first went to Goshen, Indiana, where his relatives
were living, and remained there seven years, a part of the time
working at his trade. However, it was while at Goshen that he laid
the foundation for his highly prosperous business career. He began
on a small scale and with hardly any capital, to collect and handle
butter and eggs, which he gathered up from local producers and
shipped to outside markets. This was the germ of the present
wholesale packing business of Beyer Brothers, with three main offices
at Wai-saw, Kendallville and Rochester, and with commission houses
in New York City, Boston and Providence, Rhode Island, besides nu-
merous branch establishments throughout the country. It would be
interesting if space permitted to give a detailed history of the growth
385
386 HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY
of this industry. It was started hy Mr. Beyer with a capital of only
about $5,000 and with two wagons. It is now an incorporated com-
pany under the title Beyer Brothers Company, has a vast capital
employed, and its equipment includes hundreds of wagons and auto-
mobile trucks, and an independent refrigerator line. In the course
of time two more brothers. Christian C. and J. Edward, came to this
country and threw in their energies with the business.
It was in February, 1877, that Mr. Beyer came to "Wai-saw and
extended his bu.siness to this town. In the early days he had many
difficulties to surmount, but by hard work, good business manage-
ment and indomitable energ>^ succeeded beyond his most sanguine
expectations. Gradually, however, he withdrew from the active
management of the packing business. It was not a retirement from
business altogetlier, since in the meantime he conceived the idea of
establishing an educational and pleasure park at Winona Lake.
Toward that end he acquired extensive tracts of land along the
eastern shore of the lake, and then in 1888, with his brothers, founded
Spring Fountain Park. Their first enterprise there was a creamer}-,
and they also built a liotel. After a few years, in 189.5, Spring
Fountain Park was sold to the "Winona Assembly and has ever since
been the beautiful grounds of what is probably the most noted and
best attended chautanqua assembly in the country. Though he sold
the property. Mr. Beyer was asked to remain as superintendent of
the grounds. He has ever since been actively identified with the
assembly, and much credit is due him for the splendid condition of
the park and facilities witli which thousands and thousands of peo-
ple become acquainted every year. In a hardly less important man-
ner ]\Ir. Beyer has heon a prominent factoi- in the making of modern
Warsaw. He has l)een a liberal contributor to all worthy enterprises.
Coming to America witli but little means at his command, i;nac-
quainted with the language and customs of the people, he has been
wonderfully prosperous, but better still has acquired an honest name
and commands universal respect.
In politics he is a republican, though he has never aspired for
political office. Fraternally he is affiliated with the Knights of
Pythias and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. On
December 15, 1877, he married Miss Anna M. Miller, daughter of
Jacob Miller, who was born in Poinisylvania and spent many years
of his career in Elkhart County, Indiana. The children of Jlr. and
;Mrs. Beyer are: Mae E., Carl F. and Harold R. Mr. and Mrs.
Beyer are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In later
years Mr. Beyer has devoted much of his attention to farming and
stock raising, and is one of the most extensive cultivators of crops
and general agi'icidtural enterprise in this section of Indiana. He
owns about 500 acres, comprising a splendid country estate near
Warsaw, where he spends most of his time, and he also o]ieratcs about
700 other acres, largely in Kosciusko County.
James A. Cook. One of the first of the hardy i.idiicers t<. settle
in what is now Kosciusko Countv was John Cook, who became widely
HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY :^87
known as a local preacher and exhorter of the Methodist Church, and
whose descendants have borne a prominent part in the development
and all the subsequent history of Kosciusko County. Before chnrches
were built here John Cook preached in the cabins of the early settlers,
in the open at camp meetings, in the isolated school house and wherever
two or three came together for religious worship. His familiar figure,
traveling about on horseback, was a welcome sight to the lonely settler.
"With his wife, whose maiden name was Ann Houston, John Cook set-
tled in what is now Plain Township in 1834, when Kosciusko was still
a part of Elkhart County. He then took np what was known as a
"floater's claim" which, owing to uncertainty as to boundary lines,
Tiltimately proved to have been previously settled upon. In this way
he lost the claim and the round log cabin he had erected thereon, and
then moved into the wilds of what is now Wayne Township, that being
before Wansaw was platted as a town. He lived in Wayne the rest
of his days, and because of his many admirable traits of cliaracter was
universally esteemed.
In the second generation of the Cook family's residence in Kosci-
usko County was John W. Cook, a son of John and Ann (Houston)
Cook. John W. was born in Ohio, and was quite young when he came
with his parents to Kosciusko County in 1834. He liad much to do
with those things which help make pioneer history. He was the firet
man appointed to the office of constable in Kosciusko CoTinty after it
was organized. He assisted in making the shingles that served for a
roof on the first frame house built in Warsaw. Like his father he was
prominently identified with the Methodist Episcopal Church, and did
much to keep up religious worship in a new country. He was a mem-
ber of the first jury empanneled in the county, and he assisted in
blazing the road to Rochester through swamps and around hills. He
was a strong man in a community which especially needed strong men.
He was a thorough Christian and a man who made his deeds conform
to Jiis beliefs. He gave liberally of his substance, aided many less
prosperous than himself, and v/as the type of early settler whose
character should be longest remem.bered by those who came afterward.
John W. Cook married Ann Pettinger. Eight of his children were
reared to mature years : Nicholas P., James A., Stephen N., Allen T.,
Henry, Mary D., Peter S. and William F. Peter and William were
ministers of the Methodist Church and did pioneer missionary labors
in Dakota Territory.
James Asbury Cook, at the time of his death perhaps the oldest
representative of the Cook family living in Kosciusko County, was born
when Kosciusko County was still a wilderness. He was born on his
father's farm September 22, 1843, a son of John W. and Ann (Pet-
tinger) Cook. As a boy he had the advantages of the country- schools
and for several terms taught school in the winter terms. His children
and descendants will always be proud of the fact that he served as a
soldier in the Civil war. He enlisted in Februar;s^ 1864, as a member
of Company A, Seventy-Fourth Indiana Infantry. That regiment
bore its full share of campaigning in the march and siege of Atlanta,
but just before the battle of Resaca in that campaign he was taken
388 HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY
ill and sent to a hospital. He subsequently rejoined the regiment, was
with Sherman in his triumphant movements through Georgia and up
through the Carolinas, and after participating in the grand review at
Washington was honorably discharged in July, 1865. During the last
few weeks of his service he was a member of the Twenty-Second In-
diana Infantry.
After the war 'Sir. Cook applied himself to the business of farming
in Harrison Township. He was also active in that locality as a citizen,
served in the office of constable, and in the spring of 1866 was elected
assessor of Harrison Township for four years. He continued his
eareer as a fanner until 1897. and then lived in Warsaw for a time,
went back to his farm and managed it several years longer, but from
1902 was a permanent resident of the county seat. For a number of
years Mr. Cook served as ditch viewer, and in that connection had
much to do with county impi-ovement. He sei-\'ed his second term as
a member of the Warsaw city council. In politics he was a republican,
was active in the Methodist Episcopal Church and affiliated with Kos-
ciusko Post No. 114, Grand Army of the Republic. On September 6.
1868, only a few >'ears after he returned from the war, ^Mr. Cook
married Mary J. Huffer, daughter of Joseph Huffer. Five children
were born to their marriage : John W., Jacob E., Anna B., Joseph M.
and Matilda J. Two of these children, John W. and Joseph Merlin,
are now deceased. Jacob E. is a stock buyer and farmer in Harrison
Township. Anna B. is a deaconess in the Methodist Episcopal Church
and for the past fifteen years has resided at Dubuque, Iowa. Matilda
J. married Edward Levi, and thev reside in Warsaw.
The mother of these children "died June 5, 1883. In March, 1884,
Mr. Cook married Mrs. Mary C. (Harter) Lehman, daughter of
Mathias Harter and widow of Benjamin F. Lehman, reference to both
of whom is made in subsequent sketches. Mr. Cook died on Mav
12, 1916.
Mathias Harter, the father of Mrs. James A. Cook of Warsaw,
was a prominent old settler in Kosciusko County. He was born in
Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, in 1808, son of Christian and Eliza-
beth Harter, and during his youth and early manhood he lived suc-
cessivel.v in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Ohio and Indiana. He was a
blacksmith by trade. In 1833 he united with the United Brethren
Church, and was one of its most earnest supporters wherever he lived.
It was due to exposure while working on the camp meeting grounds
at Warsaw that he was taken with the illness which brought about' his
death on September 17. 1886.
In December, 1831, Mathias Harter married Mary Easterly. She
was born November 27, 1812, in Pennsylvania, a daughter of Lawrence
and Catherine Eastei-ly. She was sixteen years of age when the
family moved to Richland County, Ohio. Several years after their
marriage Mathias Harter and wife came to Kosciusko County, and for
many yeai's he was one of the prominent residents of Harrison Town-
ship. His home was in section 15, west of Warsaw, and he developed
a large and valuable farm in that loealitv. He and his wife were the
HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY 389
parents of eight children, and those who reached mature years were
George W., Henry, Susan, Mathias, William and Mary C. Four of
the sons of Mathias Harter were Union soldiers. One of them, Jona-
than, died while in the army at Chattanooga, Tennessee, July 4, 1864.
The oldest, George, entered the army in 1862, was advanced from
private to second lieutenant, to first lieutenant, and in March, 1864,
was made captain in the Seventy-Fourth Indiana Infantry.
Benjamin Fr.\nklin Lehm.\n, who spent nearly all his life in
Kosciusko Coiuity, was a splendid citizen, and his record as a soldier
during the Civil war should be especially remembered and made a
matter of record in this publication.
He was born in Ohio, a son of John Lehman. The family came to
Kcsciusko County when Benjamin F. was a boy in his teens, and he
grew up in this' locality and acquired his education in the public
schools. From the schools he graduated into the active work of the
farm and continued that vocation until the outbreak of the Civil wai-.
Then, when the country most needed defenders, in July, 1862, he en-
listed as a private in Company A of the Seventj'-fourth Indiana Vol-
unteer Infantrj'. For a time he was in the instriiction camp at Camp
Allen at Fort Wayne, and was regularly mustered into service on
August 21, 1862. He saw much of the arduous campaigning through
Kentucky, Tennessee and Georgia, fought at Hoover's Gap, and in the
great battle of Chickamauga was wounded in the left leg by a minie
ball. He recovered in time to join his regiment immediate]}' after the
fall of Atlanta. Thence he marched with Sherman's splendid army
to the sea, up through the Carolinas, and the last event of his service
was the grand review at Washington. He received an honorable dis-
charge at Indianapolis June 16, 1865.
After the war Mr. Lehman resumed his life as a farmer in Kosci-
usko County. On iMarch 10, 1872, he married Mary C, daughter of
Mathias Harter. To their marriage were born two sons: Herbert C,
who is in the railway mail service and has his home in Warsaw, and
Edgar E., who is auditor of the Dalton Foundry at Warsaw. Both
these sons made records in the Spanish-American war, the former as a
private and the latter as sergeant in Company H of the One Hundred
and Sixtieth Indiana Volunteer Infantry.
Benjamin Franklin Lehman died January 5, 1878. His death was
hastened by the wounds which he had received in the battle of Chicka-
mauga and he practically laid down his life for the integrity of the
Union. He was an active member of the United Brethren Church.
Alpheus B. Ulrey. It indicates to a large degree the esteem
in which he is held by his neighbors that Alpheus B. Ulrey was nom-
inated for the ofBce of trustee of Jackson Township in 1918. He has
also served as a member of the Township Advisory Board. He is a
man of first-cla.ss ability and is known among his neighbors as a very
successful farmer. The Ulrey home is in section 5 of Jackson Town-
ship, two miles south and a mile and a half west of Sidney.
Several branches of the Ulrey family were among the early set-
390 HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY
tlei-s aud have long l)een well kiiowu in this southeastern curner of
Kosciusko Coimty. Alpheus B. was born in the township August
18, 1889, a son of Gabriel and ilary A. (Kreider) Ulrey. His father
was born in Montgomery- County, Ohio, four miles from the Citv of
Dayton, December 26, 1839, and died April 23, 1914. His mother
was born in Ohio July 27, 1843, and is still living at the advanced
age of seventy-five. The parents were children when their respective
parents came to Indiana and located in Kosciusko County, and here
they grew up and married May 8, 1862. Gabriel Ulrey was an or-
dained elder in the Church of the Brethreii. His children were:
Rosa, born August 23, 1863. wife of A. J. Wertenberger : Anna, born
October 10, 1865, wife of Jacob X. ^Miller; Lizzie, born September 1.
1868, wife of Jacob A. iletzger, of Jackson Township; Alice, born
March 19, 1870, wife of Albert ^Miller, and she died in Februarv,
1903; Mattie, born August 20, 1872, wife of S. N. Hawley, living in
California : Asa, born December 4, 1875, a farmer in Jackson Town-
ship ; Alpheus B. ; and Ella, born April 4, 1882 ; wife of E. P. Tridle,
of Sidney.
Alpheus B. Ulrey had as his bo.yhood euviromuent the old home
farm, and he learned the common branches taught in the neighbor-
ing district schools. At the age of twent.v. on April 12, 1900, he
married Miss Cora Ross, who was born in Jackson Township, Janu-
ary 12. 1878, daiighter of John and Jane (Stout) Ross. Jlrs. Ilrey
was educated in the public schools of Jackson Township.
After their marrigge they rented the Ross farm for a niuuber
of years, but in 1905 moved to their present place of eighty acres,
one of the high class and valuable farms of that township.
Mr. and Mrs. Ulrey have six children : Flossie, bom March 13.
1902, a graduate of the common schools : Fern, born October 7. 1904,
who has also completed the coui-se of the common schools; John A.,
born December 10. 1907 ; Irene and Pauline, twins, born April 20.
1911 ; and Gladys, born Augiist 14, 1914. The family are members
of the Church of the Brethren and j\Ir. Ulrey takes an active part
in church affairs and is a deai-on. Politically his active part has
been played as a republican.
Revra DePuy is one of the men who have helped to make War-
saw an indiistrial center. He first located in this city in 1896 and
founded what is now the DePuy Manufacturing Company, a fac-
tory that turns out products that are sold all over the couuti-A%
employing a niimber of workmen, and the payroll is one of the im-
portant assets of the community.
Bv birth Mi: DePuv is a Michigan man, having been born in
Grand Rapids JIarch 22, 1861. His father. James DePuy, was a
lawj-er in Grand Rapids, but when the son Revra was still a child
he "took his family to Canada, where he died. The mother subse-
quentlv returned to the United States and lived in ^Marseilles, Illinois.
■ Owing to the early death of his father. Revra DePuy came face
to face with hard circumstances in his boyhood. He lived in a num-
ber of diffei'ent localities and supported himself by many kinds of
HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY :i!n
work. He was compelled to fight the battle of life unaided, and his
educatiou was largely such as he could pick \ip by au occasional
term in the regular schools and by much reading and study in pri-
vate. As a boy he worked as a clerk in a drug store, "and this
led to his taking a course in chemistry' in the University of Toronto,
from which institution he received his diploma.
On leaving the university he went as a traveling salesman, and
it was while making the rounds of his customers that he first came to
Warsaw. He came to that city with a purpose. He had conceived
the idea and had carefully worked out a plan for manufacturing a
fiber splint to take the place of the wooden splints which up to then
were almost entirely employed for broken bones. On the basis of
this idea, Mr. DePuj' began in a very small way his manufacturing
industry at Warsaw in 1896. He soon had the business on a profit-
able basis. In 1901 he responded to some inducement and removed
his factory to Niles, Michigan, where he incorporated the company.
However, the concern did not prosper there in accordance with his
plans and expectations, and in 1904 he returned the business to
AVarsaw. He has continued with more than an average degree of
success. With the progress of time the wood fiber splint, which con-
stituted the basis of his manufacturing enterprise, gave way to wire
cloth, and that is now the chief output of the DePuy factory. There
are sixteen people employed in tlie local industry,' and six of these
are traveling salesmen.
Mr. DePuy is man-ied and is recognized as one of the substan-
tial men of Warsaw and Kosciusko County. He is affiliated with
the Masonic Order and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.
Owen S. Gasku^l. Any history of the Village of Burket, which
was established thirty-five years ago, must repeat the name of Owen
S. Gaskill in connection with nearly all its leading interests and in-
dustries. Mr. Gaskill is a pioneer lumberman, having been in the
business for over half a century, and in the past has owned several
of the mills which at one time gave to Burket its chief industry,
lumber manufacture. He is also a banker, practical farmer and stock
raiser, and his long life has contained a succession of undertakings,
beginning with the struggles of a poor boy and mounting gradually
higher until they have become vitally identified with the entire com-
munity.
Mr. Gaskill is president of the Bank of Seward, wliich was organ-
ized with a capital stock of .$10,000. The other executive officers are
Mrs. Ida Huffer, vice president, and H. H. Roberts, cashier. The di-
rectors of the bank are Mr. Gaskill, II. H. Roberts, W. S. Howard,
George Alexander and Clem Jones, while the finance committee con-
sists of Mr. Gaskill and W. S. Howard. ]\Ir. Gaskill and his son,
E. E. Gaskill, are also large stock holders in the State Bank of War-
saw and his son is one of the directors of the bank. The business of
lumbering is still carried on under the name Gaskill & Son. Mr.
Gaskill and .son have about 600 acres of land under their ownership
in Kosciusko County.
392 HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY
Mr. Gaskill was born in Stark County, Ohio, December 25, 1838,
a son of Levi and Nancy A. (Maxwell) Gaskill. His mother was a
native of Meadsville, Pennsylvania. At an early age Owen S. Gas-
kill was thrown on his own resources. A limited attendance at dis-
trict schools was all the education he was able to secure. For five
years he worked from early morning to late at night on a dairy farm.
He also had another youthful experience as a laborer in a brick fac-
tory. As a .youth he was modest, quick in comprehension, thrifty and
industrious, and naturally gained the sympathy and earned the as-
.sistance of the people around him. While he was attending school
at Marlboro, Ohio, a proposal came to him to move to Indiana and
teach a term of school. In the fall of 1858, at the age of twenty, he
arrived at Bourbon, Indiana, and taught there during the following
winter of 1858-59. Altogether he taught four years. After his first
term he had no difficulty in securing a school. His first license for
two yeare was renewed for two years more. He invested some of his
first earnings in a tract of land and has never been without some
practical interests in agriculture and land development.
In 1863 Mr. Gaskill was drafted for service in the army and
was with Company C of the Eighty-Third Indiana Infantry until
the close of the war. He brought back from the army only $37.50.
Returning to Bourbon, he .joined his brother, who had come from
Ohio in 1860, and built a sawmill near that town. Mr. 0. S. Gaskill
acquired a half interest in this mill and at the end of two years sold
out and realized a cash capital of $3,700. He used $2,700 of this to
buy a hardware store at Bourbon. The next ten years were spent in
the hardware trade, but despite his best efforts his business failed to
prosper. Having lost all his capital, he had to begin all over again.
Here again he resorted to farming, buying thirty acres and paying
for it out of the proceeds of his labor. Some friends who recognized
his sterling honesty and industi-y supplied him with the capital to
get into the lumber business again, and from the stumpage of a
tract which he bought he cleared up a good profit and that started
him again on the road to prosperity.
In the fall of 1880 Mr. Gaskill came to Burket, which, however,
had not yet been established, and acquired a half interest in the saw-
mill through the backing of Jlr. C. L. Morris. In 1881 he moved
into the Village of Burket, and has been his home now ever since.
As a sawmill man he has cleared off and converted into lumber many
tracts in Northeastern Indiana. In 1883 he lx)ught ninety-four acres
near Burkett, and that was one among many profitable enterprises.
Mr. Gaskill married ^Nlaiy J. Collins, who died in 1893, and was
the mother of Mr. E. E. Gaskill of Warsaw. For his present wife Mr.
Gaskill married Hattie Elliott, of New York.
Mr. Gaskill is a member of the ilethodist Episcopal Church at
Burket, is affiliated with Bourbon Lodge of ^Masons and is a former
master of the lodge. In politics he is a republican, and has filled
positions on the township advisorj' board.
^yi^^^u^^ '^ Z/^^:^
HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY 39:{
Andrew Gerow Wood, the dean ol' the Kosciusko County bar,
not long ago celebrated his eightieth birthday anniversary. While
there are many men who reach the age of fourscore, comparatively
few make these yeai-s significant by such experience and achievement
as have been the lot of Captain Wood. He earned a captain's com-
mission by service in the Civil War during the dark da.ys of the
sixties. For fully half a century he has practiced law at Warsaw.
His fellow citizens in Kosciusko County do not need these statements
of fact in order to appreciate his sterling character and his value as
a citizen. As a matter of permanent record for the future, how
ever, something more concerning his career should be noted here.
He was born at Marysville in Union Count.y, Ohio, January 16,
1835. Dr. Ira Wood, his father, who was of Irish ancestry, wa.s
born in New Y'ork State, was reared there, read medicine, and in
1821 became one of the early physicians to practice at Canton, Ohio.
He was married at Canton to Margaret Hawley. She was the daugh
ter of John Hawley, who was born in Ireland and married in that
country at the age of twenty-one. John Hawley lived near Fingal's
Cave and was of old strict Presbyterian stock. He immigrated to
the United States, lived for a short time near Myers Lake, in Stark
County, Ohio, and then moved to the locality of Marysville, Ohio,
where his death occurred at the venerable age of eighty-nine years.
When that movement in American polities was at its height he was
a member of the knownothing party.
In 1826 Dr. Ira Wood and his young wife moved to Marysville,
Ohio. He built a two-story frame house, the first house of frame
timbers erected in that locality. There he engaged in the practice
of medicine with Dr. Andrew Gerow as his partner, and they were
closely associated not only professionally but on terms of great
friendship, and Captain Wood was named for his father's partner.
Dr. Wood died at Marj-sville in 1839. He and his wife were the
parents of eight children, three of whom died in infancy. One died
in 1860, another in 1900, another in 1914, and still another in 1915.
Captain Wood of Warsaw is the only living survivor of these chil-
dren.
Andrew Gerow Wood was reared at Marysville, Ohio. His youth-
ful days were not particularlj' eventful. He attended school, and
also developed a good constitution and helped pay his way by work-
ing on farms belonging to his uncles. At one time he was paid $3.00
a month for this kind of work, and at another $4.00 per month. He
carefully put away the money thus earned and with it bought a
scholarship at the Ohio Wesleyan University in Delaware. He spent
two years as a student there, and as he had little money beyond
enough to pay his tuition, he maintained himself by working even-
ings and on Saturdays. At the age of twenty he found employment
in the general store of FuUington, Garwood & Company at Milford
Center, Ohio.
While living at Milford and employed as a struggling young
clerk. Dr. Wood was married October 10, 1855, to Rose A. Reed,
daughter of Samuel Reed, a farmer of Champaign County, Ohio.
394 HISTORY OP KOSCIUSKO COUNTY
In the same year of their marriage ilr. Wood and bride moved out
to Waterloo, Iowa. That was then a remote community, and there
were few white settlers around the Waterloo of that time. He spent
fifteen months there as a member of the general mercantile firm of
Elwells & Wood. They conducted a trading post and carried on
most of their business with the Indians who lived around Water-
loo. Then returning to Mil ford Center, Ohio, ilr. AVood resumed
business under the firm name of Wood & Reed, handling retail dry
goods stock, in which he continued for about four years.
With this varied experience behind him Captain Wood then re-
turned to his native town of Marysville and took up the study of
law in the office of P. B. Cole. His preceptor afterwards became
the father-in-law of Charles W. Fairbanks, Vice President nf the
United States, and Mr. Fairbanks himself read law under ilr. Cole.
Admitted to the bar of Ohio in August, 1860, Captain Wood in
1861 moved to Lawrenceburg in Southern Indiana and took up
practice as a member of the firm of Gregg & Wood. He handled his
law cases as a rising young attorney in that city during tlie first
years of the Civil War, but in February, 1864, enlisted in Company
H of the One Hundred and Twenty-Third Indiana Volunteer In-
fantry as a private. He was later elected first lieutenant and .still
later captain of his company, but owing to lack of men to complete
the eompanv organization he never mustered in, though holding a
captain's commission. His command was part of the division under
the leaderehip of Gen. A. P. Hovey. who afterwards became gov-
ernor of Indiana. Soon after he was mustered in he went to Louis-
ville, Kentucky, spent a week there in an instruction camp, and
then for a short time was stationed at Fort Xegley. near Nashville.
From there his command marched to Cleveland. Tennes.see, spent
four days there, and thence on to Chattanooga, where he arrived in
time to participate in Shennan's great campaign against Atlanta.
During that compaign he was aid-de-camp nn the staff of General
ilcQuistou. In the historic advance towards Atlanta he foiight at
the battles of Resaca, Kingston, Rome, Ezra Church, Big Shanty,
Kenesaw Mountain. His was the first brigade that crossed the pon-
toon bridge spanning the river .six miles from Atlanta. With the fall
of Atlanta Captain Wood aud his command were detached from
Sherman's army, leaving that organization at Rome, then marched
back to Chattanooga, took train to Nashville, and went to Columbia
and across Duck River aud participated in those battles which finally
broke the resistance of the Confederacy in the ^Mississippi Valley.
He fought at Spring Hill, and at the great battle of Franklin he
was on detached diity with the staff of General Strickland. From
Franklin he accompanied the Federal troops to Nashville, where
sixteen days later, under General Thomas, was fought the battle
which effectually dissipated the Confederate army under Hood.
From Tennessee Captain Wood was sent to Clifton, thence to Wash-
ington, D. C, on to Wilmington, and at Jonesboro he again .ioiued
Sherman's army. Wliile on the way to Raleigh he participated in
the battle of Wise Forks, known in history as Kingston, which was
HISTORY OP KOSCIUSKO COUNTY :i9r,
the last important engagement of the long struggle between the
North and the South. When peace was declared Captain Wood,
along with the Twenty-Third Armj^ Corps, went to Charlotte, North
Carolina, thence to Salisbury, and on September 14, 1865, was mus-
tered out of service. On April 1, 1865, at Charlotte, North Carolina,
he was appointed .judge advocate of that place, and he also had juris-
diction at Salisbury until mustered out.
On leaving the army Captain Wood returned to Indiana, and on
November 8, 1865, located at Wai-saw. This has been his home ever
since, now fully half a century, and all those years have been spent
in the practice of his profession. But little important litigation has
been tried in the local courts with which Captain Wood has not
been identified on one side or the other. It is indeed a stranger in
Warsaw who does not kno\\ Captain Wood's law offices. In fact,
those offices are almost as much of a landmark in the city as the
courthouse itself. For forty-one years he has interviewed his clients
and has welcomed his friends in one and the same office building. In
that long period he lias seen many of his former contemporaries
leave the county or pass to their last reward. He has had a number
of partners in practice. F. E. Bowser, now Judge of the Circuit
Court, was a student under his direction and afterwards was for
twenty years a partner.
In politics Captain Wood is a democrat. He was the first demo-
cratic coimcilman and mayor ever elected to those offices in War-
saw. That was more of a compliment to his i-eeognized standing and
per.sonal character, perhaps, than to the party of which he was a
membei-. He has been affiliated with the Independent Oi'der of Odd
Fellows for fifty-seven years, and is a member of both the subordi-
nate lodge and the Hackleman Encampment of that order. He is
also a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, of the Loyal
Order of Moose, and his chuVch is the Episcopal.
Captain Wood and wife became the parents of three children.
Charlotte was the wife of Abe Brubaker, but she and her husband
and two of their children are now deceased, and the only survivor is
a son, Lawrence Brubaker, an active member of the Warsaw bar.
The daughter, Jennie, married 0. P. Eversole, they live at Port
Wayne, and have two children, Sarah and Arthur. Mrs. Eversole's
danghter is tlie wife of James Johnson, of Fort. Wayne, and she has
two children, Jennie and Dorothy. Emma, the third daughter of
Captain Wood, married Oscar Baker, and they live in Warsaw.
There is one child in the Baker family. Edgar. Thus Captain Wood
in his declining years has the comfoi-t and solace of fmir grandchil-
dren.
Hiram D. ;\Iiller. The chief financial institution in tlie south-
eastern comer of Kosciusko County is the Bank of Sidney. Above
and more important than its financial status and resources are the
personnel of the men behind it and active in its management. A. B.
Palmer is president, G. J. Smith is vice president, Hiram D. Miller is
396 HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY
cashier, and the other directors are Sam Fnnk, Eli Circle and O.
Palmer.
Hiram D. Miller has been cashier of the bank nearly ten years.
He is a well trained and efficient business man, and has lived in this
community most of his life. He was born in Jackson Township, on
a farm four miles south of Sidney. March 19, 1874. a son of Levi
J. and Anna E. (Ulrey) Miller. Both his father's and mother's
families have been long and usefully identified with this section of In-
diana. His father was born in Montgomery County, Ohio, October 4,
1845, while his mother was bom in Jackson Township of Kosciusko
County, September 2. 1847. The grandparents were John and Mary
A. (Mishler) Miller, who brought their family to Indiana in 1847
and settled in section 18 of Jackson Township. The grandparents
.spent the rest of their days on their farm, and they were active mem-
bei's of the Church of the Brethren, the chief religious organization
in that part of the township. Levi J. Miller was one of a family of
six sons and four daughters. After his marriage to Anna E. Ulrey
he located in Jackson Township, lived there until 1876, then had a
farm two and a half miles east of Claypool.in Clay Township until
the fall of 1882, when he returned to Jackson Township and contin-
ued his active life as a farmer until 1908. His wife died in 190.5, and
in 1908 he moved to Wabash County, lived on a farm there for ten
years, and in the spring of 1918 retired to North Manchester, where
he is still living. In his family were seven children by his first mar-
riage, and those living today are : Joseph H., cashier of the Farmers
State Bank of Cherubusco, Indiana, and who formerly served as
postmaster of Syracuse, of Kosciusko County, fourteen years: Hiram
D. ; Ora, wife of Vern Bushong; Melvin F., assistant cashier of the
Bank of Sidney : Lizzie, wife of Ford Landis ; and Dayton, a farmer
in Elkhart County. The one decea.sed child was named Alvin.
Hiram D. Miller grew up in Clay and Jackson Townships. The
education of his youth was supplied by the local schools, also the
higher schools at North Manchester and the Tri-State Normal College
at Angola. With this splendid education Mr. Miller was a .successful
teacher for seven yeai-s, altogether in Jackson To^\^^ship. Then for
six years he was engaged in the hardware business at Sidney, and
.selling out removed to Syracuse, where he remained eight months,
and for two years was located at North Manchester. Returning to
Sidney in JIarch, 1909. he took up his pre.sent duties and responsi-
bilities as ca.shier of the local bank.
December 24. 1899, 'Slv. Miller married Miss Susie Ulrey, who was
born in Kosciusko Coimty, member of one of the well knowni families
of that name in the southeastern part of the county. Mr. and Mrs.
Miller have four children: Paul and Pauline, twins, born JMay 8,
1901, now in the third .rear of the local high school; Carl, born Au-
gust 1, 1912 ; and Bennett, born July 8, 1914.
The family are members of the Brethren Church, and Mr. Miller
is clerk of the church society. He is now serving as Master of Sidney
Lodge No. 579, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons; he is also affil-
iated with Chester Chapter No. 47 Royal Arch Masons. Politically
HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY 397
he has taken a quite active interest in the republican party, and
for several years has been a local committeeman.
J. D. Lke Cline is superintendent of the Silver Lake public
schools, has been identified with educational work since early man-
hood, and unlike most educators is also a progressive and rather
successful business man, having a number of interests as a farmer
and formerly as a merchant, and is one of the leaders in local civic
activities and in those movements which are helping -win the war.
Mr. Cline was born in Adams County, Indiana, May 21, 1881.
He represents an old and prominent family of Root Township in this
county. His ancestors for several generations lived in the State of
Pennsylvania. His grandfather, Jacob Cline, was born in Penn-
sylvania, married Barbara Robinson of that .state, and immediately
after marriage moved to Tuscarawas County, Ohio, and about 1838
loaded his household goods upon a wagon and with ox and horse
teams crossed the country to Northeastern Indiana. He secured 160
acres of land in section 14 of Root Township, and in a house of logs
he and his family put up with the primitive conditions for a nimi-
ber of years. They lived principally upon corn bread and wild
meat. Jacob Cline was a resolute home maker, put all his land under
the plow, and in his later years enjoyed the comforts of a good
home and an ample competence. He was a class leader for many
years in the first church of the Methodist denomination in his town-
ship.
The parents of Superintendent Cline were George B. and Lavinia
(Luckey) Cline. George B. Cline was born in Root Township of
Adams County March 26, 1842, and is one of the three surviving
children of his father. The other two are Jonas and William.
George Cline grew to maturity in Adams County, attended the
di.strict schools, and after his marriage became a farmer, but is now
living retired in Decatur, from which city he oversees his farming
interests. He and his wife are active members of the Methodist
Episcopal Church. George Cline was a gallant soldier of the Union
Army, serving more than four years in Company C of the Forty-
Seventh Indiana Infantry. Politically he is a republican. He and
his wife had three children : Martha D., who studied music in Ohio
University and is the wife of Dr. W. E. Smith of Decatur; J. D.
Lee; and Juna G., who died in infancy.
J. D. L. Cline had a farm rearing, and his first advantages were
supplied by the district schools. Later he attended the Decatur
High School and was only seventeen when he taught his first winter
term in a country district. In the intervals of teaching he attended
higher schools and acquired an education which well fitted him for
the responsibilities of leadcr.ship he now enjoys. He was a student
in the Ohio Northern University of Ada, in Valparaiso University
and also in Winona College under Dr. Rigdon. Mr. Cline holds the
degrees A. B. and A. M., and is now possessor of a life certificate
from the state. He has filled positions in all the grades of teaching
398 HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY
work, and at one time was teacher of mathematies and science in
Wiuona College.
Mr. Cline has been a resident of Silver Lake since 1905. For a
time he was in the drug business here and also resumed his work as
an educator in charge of the grammar school, and is now superin-
tendent of the entire school system of the village.
Mr. Cline married Miss Daisy A. Cline, who was a student of
music at Valparaiso University. They have one son. Eldred D..
born April 13, 1905, now a student in the eighth grade of the pub-
lic schools. Mr. and Mrs. Cline are active members of the Methodist
Episcopal Church. He is affiliated with the Kuight.s of Pythias,
Independent Order of Odd Fellows, ^lodern Woodmen of America,
and has filled chairs in these ordere. He is a republican and is now
serving his fifth term as town clerk of Silver Lake. He is also
president of the local Red Cross Chapter of Silver Lake Township,
and Mrs. Cline gives much of her time to supervising the sewing
department of that chapter. Mr. Cline owns a small farm of forty
acres in Adams Township, and has an interest in another place of
eighty acres in the same county. His own home in Silver Lake is
a modern residence on Jefiferson street.
Frank C. Tucker, M. D. V., whose work as a veterinary surgeon
has made him well known in Claypool and suiTouuding tei'ritory, is
a grandson of that splendid Kosciusko County pioneer Horace
Tucker, and this is a point at which it is appropriate to mention
some of the interesting details of the Tucker family history.
Dr. Tucker's ancestors were New England people. His great-
grandfather, John Tucker, was born in New Hampshire in 1791,
and in 1815 settled as a pioneer in the woods of Richland County.
Ohio. After three years of pioneer experience he returned to New
Hampshire and married Mai-y Ward, who was born in 1800. In 1818
the young couple returned to Ohio, and it is said that for six months
Mrs. Tucker ne\er saw the face of a white woman, her neighbors
being chiefly Indians. John Tucker was a man of fine education, and
had a record of thirty-five consecutive terms of school teaching in
Ohio. lu December, 1853, he moved to Kosciusko County, having
bought .several years before laud upon which the Village of Sevas-
topol was later situated. This village was sui-veyed and named by
him. About that time the Crimean War was in progress and the
achievements of the British army at Sevastopol were prominent in
the popular mind. Though in advanced years John Tucker after
coming to Kosciusko County also planted the seed and developed a
tine apple orchard. His wife died February 27, 1876, and he soon
afterwards returned to Ohio, and while there was taken ill and
died December 25, 1879. He was laid to rest in Kosciusko County.
John Tucker and wife had six children : Hotaee, Aurelius. Albert,
Serena, Regulus and Livonia.
The real pioneer of the Tucker family in Kosciusko County was
Horace Tucker, who was born in Richland County, Ohio. November
8, 1825. In 1846 he came to Kosciusko County, and paid .ii2.50 an
HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY ;i9f)
acre for a tract of 160 acres in section 20 of Fi-auklin Township.
The following spring he cut down the first timber and erected a log
cabin, and in the fall of 1847 went back to Ohio and married on
January 13, 1848, Eliza Johnston, daughter of Francis and Ann
(Fleming) Johnston. In the fall of that year they returned to Kos-
ciusko County, and it was in their log cabin home that all their
three children were born, namely: Albert L. ; Rosella, who mar-
ried Jonathan Tinkey ; and Hollis C.
Horace Tucker lived a life of great industry and was a man of
remarkable business judgment, and came to be classed as one of the
wealthy citizens of the county. He was a pioneer stock raiser and
dealer, and it is said that with a partner he took the first carload
of stock ever sent by railroad from "Warsaw. It is said that when
Horace Tucker and his wife came to Kosciusko County he brought
all their household possessions and goods in a small box. Much of
their furniture was hand made and of the crudest description. But
their prosperity enabled them to introduce many improvements as
they came. They brought the first cooking stove into Franklin
Township, an implement which Mr. Tucker bought at Fort Wayne.
It is said that the neighbors for miles around came to view this
wonderful improvement over the old style of cooking at the open
fireplace. In 1871 Horace Tucker erected a substantial brick resi-
dence, and it was the first home in Franklin Township heated by
furnace steam. His windmill pump was the second in the town-
ship. He not only made improvements himself, but fostered im-
provements affecting the general community welfare, though he stead-
fastly refused any political honors, being satisfied merely to vote as
a republican.
Dr. Frank C. Tucker was born in Franklin Township, a son of
Albert L. and Elizabeth (Bechtelheimer) Tucker. His father was
bom in Franklin Township in 1848, and his wife in the same local-
ity. Doctor Tucker was only an infant when his mother died March
16, 1888. He was the youngest of eight children, and was reared
largely by a sister and also in the home of his grandfather, Horace
Tucker. He attended district schools, and in 1906 entered the Mc-
Killip Veterinary College at Chicago, from which he graduated with
his degree in the spring of 1909. He began practice at South Whit-
ley, Indiana, but on January 2, 1912, returned to Kosciusko County
and located at Claypool, where he has his office and headquarters.
His services are in almost constant demand by the farmers and
stock raisers of that community.
September 2, 1908, Mr. Tucker married Frances Kern, daugh-
ter of Jacob and Martha Kern. Mrs. Tucker was born in Franklin
Township, and had two years of high school work. Thej' have two
sons, Marshall B., born July 22, 1909 ; and Carl C, born September
15, 1911. Dr. and Mrs. Tucker are active members of the Methodist
Episcopal Church at Claypool. He is affiliated with Lake City Lodge
No. 73, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, and is a democrat in
politics.
400 HISTORY OB^ KOSCIUSKO COUNTY
aioNBOE Paulus. In the Indiana plan of local government the
most important office is that of township trustee. Through this office
is administered the business and financial management of the local
schools, and the conditions of the schools, highways and other im-
provements are lai-gelj- an index of the character of the man chosen
to fill that important office. The present incumbent of that office in
Lake Township is Monroe Paulus, whose family was one of the first
to locate in this section of the county, and the name Paulus has been
prominently identified with that locality for over three quarters of
a century.
Monroe Paulus was born a mile and a half east of Silver Lake
in Clay Township, February 5, 1858, son of Daniel and Maria A.
(Miller) Paulus. His father was a native of Pennsylvania and his
mother of Maryland, and after their marriage they lived in Mont-
gomery County, Ohio, and in 1841 moved to Kosciusko County and
settled in the wild woods, where they had a log cabin home until
they could provide themselves with one of greater comforts. Daniel
Paulus and his brother Jac-ob were the first merchants in what is now
Silver Lake Village, and they were the founders of that town, the
town being laid out on land owned by Jacob. Their old store, a
hewed log structure, stood until 1884. Daniel Paulus and wife both
died in 1886. They had their home on the farm where Monroe was
born until 1864, when they moved to the Village of Silver Lake.
Daniel Paulus was a democrat and a very active man of his party.
He and his wife had the following children : Jacob M., Annie, David,
Catherine, Henry, Maiy A., Susannah, Elizabeth, Lydia, Monroe and
Sarah. Five of these children are still living
Monroe Paulus grew up at Silver Lake, and after finishing his
education went to work in a saw mill. He also had a splendid exper-
ience in grist and flour mills and in a butter tub factor}'. For three
years he was in the saw mill business in Eastern Tennessee, and for
two and a half years was superintendent of the Nettleton Hardwood
Lumber Business. He also spent two and a half years in the far
west, in Utah, in the milling business.
In January, 1898, Mr. Paulus married Alice Punk, a native of
Kosciusko County. After his marriage Mr. Paulus spent another
period of two and a half years in the saw mill business in the State
of Mississippi. On returning to Lake Township he resumed farm-
ing, and has since steadily devoted his time to his place of eighty-five
acres three-quarters of a mile north of Silver Lake.
He and his wife have four children : Cloiee, who is married and
lives on the home farm and has twin sons, Corlyss and Corlyle;
Glenn, a graduate of high school, now serving with the American
forces in the war against Germany ; Meta, a graduate of the Silver
Lake High School, and now a student in the South Bend College;
and Thelma, who is in the second year of the local high school.
Jlr. Paulus is affiliated with Deming Lodge No. 88, Ancient Free
and Accepted Masons at North Manchester, and is also a Past Noble
Grand and a member of the Grand Lodge of the Odd Fellows; his
local affiliation being with Silver Lake Lodge No. 576. In politics
HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY 401
he is a democrat and it was as a luember of that party, but chiefly
as the man best fitted for the place, that his fellow citizens chose
him for the responsibilities of township trustee.
SiiiAS W. Chipman. Much that is worthy and estimable in human
life was the lot of Silas W. Chipman, president of the State Bank of
Warsaw. He was one of the early merchants of Kosciusko County,
and for more than half a century lived up to his obligations as "a
banker and business man, and it would be an effort to imagine the first
prosperity of Warsaw dissociated from the influence and enterprise of
this venerable citizen, who was one of the oldest and one of the few
remaining at the time of his death of the very early settlers. For years
his fellow citizens regarded him as their natural leader, though he
never took any part in politics, and he gained his enviable position
through the strictest integrity in every relation.
Mr. Chipman died at Warsaw March"9, 1916, when within one week
of ninety years of age. Death came very suddenly from heart failure.
He was actively engaged in the banking business" until the day of his
death. His was a long and useful life. He was a New Bnglander
by birth and ancestry, and was born in Addison County, Vennont,
March 16, 1826. His parents, Isaac and Sarah H. (Hemeiiway) Chip-
man were of English ancestiy. The first of the family in America
came when the country was in its colonial period of development, and
members of subsequent generations have taken their full, share in
the national wars, in the work of legislative bodies, and in business
and the professions. Isaac Chipman was a farmer, but was a man
of more than ordinary local influence in his section of Vermont. He
served as a .justice of the peace, was a member of both the Lower
House and Senate of Vermont, in polities was first a whig and later
a republican, and was a member of the Congregational Church. Of his
seven children two subsequently took a prominent part in business
affairs in Kosciusko County, Indiana.
Silas W. Chipman had the usual environment and experiences
of a New England boy during the early half of the last century. He
gained a training on one of the rugged farms of Vermont and was edu-
cated in district schools. Soon after reaching manhood, in 1849,
he came to the then small and isolated Village of Warsaw, Indiana.
Here his first employment was as clerk in the store of Atwood &
Pottenger, but not long afterwards he and his brother Samuel H.
established a mercantile enterprise of their own. Mr. Chipman re-
mained an active merchant of Wai-saw until 1881, and nearly all of
the older settlers recall his store as one of the landmarks of the town.
After the death of his brother Samuel he succeeded him as president
of the State Bank of Warsaw. For more than a third of a century
Mr. Chipman was president of this institution, and his name was in-
variably used as synonym for integrity and sound commercial judg-
ment.
On April 18, 1867, he married Sarah M. Wilson. The children
bom to them were : Arthur, who died in infancy : Walter M. ; Wilbur,
402 HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY
who died in infancy ; Antoinette, who died at the age of thirteen ; and
Helen M. A republican in politics, Silas W. Chipman steadfastly
declined all political favors, and gave his greatest service to the
community as a conservator of its financial resources and as a splen-
did example of commercial integrity. For a gi-eat many .years he was
an active member of the Presbyterian Church. Perhaps his greatest
interest in life was his church. He sacrificed financially that he might
give to the church and its missionaiy entei"prises. For twenty-two
years he was superintendent of the Sabbath school and was a noble
example of a Christian business man.
JoN.STHAN TiNKEY. To live manj' years is something of an
achievement, to live them usefully and well, to accumulate as well
as to distribute prosperity and happiness, to bring a masterful mind
and courage to the successive problems and obstacles of life — that
is to deserve well of destiny and merit those items and practice
which make up success
Such has been the life of Jonathan Tinkey of Seward Township,
whose career covers tliree-quarters of a century. He was born in
Richland County, Ohio, October 21, 1842. It was in the same year
that the Tinkey family became identified with Kosciusko County.
His father, Noah Tinkey, was born in Washington County, Penn-
sylvania, June 15, 1813, a son of Frederick and Mary Tinkey, who
were of German ancestry. Noah Tinkey grew up in his native state,
and in 1837 went with his parents to Richland County, Ohio. There
on June 15, 1838, he married Eliza Easterlj'. She was born in Penn-
sylvania June 14, 1819, a daughter of Lawrence and Catherine
Easterly, natives of the same state. In 1842 Noah Tinkey brought
his famil.y to Kosciusko County and found his destination west of
Warsaw on the Tippecanoe River. Arriving there late one even-
ing he unloaded his goods imder a beech tree, and under its shelter
the family spent the night. He bought 160 acres of land, built a
shanty, replaced it with a hewed log house, and then still another
house of hewed logs, and finally a substantial frame dwelling arose,
which sheltered him the rest of his days. Noah Tinkey was pros-
pered, and accjuired altogether 420 acres. He and his wife were very-
active and liberal members of the United Brethren Church, and in
politics he was a democrat. He and his wife had eleven children,
one of whom died in infancy. The others were named George, Fred-
erick, Jonathan, ]\Iathias, Mahala, Catherine, Susan, Louisa, Arte-
mesia and JMary. Of this family Mr. Jonathan Tinkey is the only
sui-viving son.
He grew up in Harrison Township and acquired a very liberal
education, beginning in the district schools, was later in the War-
saw schools, and finally in the State University. His education he
utilized as a teacher for thirteen terms, all this woi-k being done in
Kosciusko County. ]Mr. Tinkey is also one of the honored veterans
of the Civil War. In 1864 he was enrolled in Company I of the
Thirty-Third Indiana Infantry, and saw some active service during
the latter months of that great struggle between the North and the
cSa^M-ZA <y^i^^
HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY 403
South. He has long been interested in the Grand Army of the Re-
public, is a member of Post No. 114, and in 1918 was chosen as a
delegate to the National Reunion or Encampment at Portland, Oregon.
While Mr. Tinkey had a modest inheritance, most of his pros-
perity has been won by his individual abilities and labors. Of his
holdings in Seward Township there is a large body of farming land
amounting to 440 acres, besides 135 acres in Jackson Township. Mr.
Tinke.y organized the Bank of Seward and was its largest stockholder.
He is also interested in a number of other enterprises, local and else-
where. He has a residence property in Warsaw and also has eighty
acres of land in Wayne Township.
He has been one of the stanch leaders of the democratic party in
the county for many years. He has served as supervisor, and some
years ago was the only democrat elected to the county council.
Mr. Tinkey man-ied Rosella Tucker. Her father, Horace Tucker,
who died Septeml)er 10, 1907, was one of Koseiiisko County's promi-
nent citizens. Born in Richland County, Ohio, November 8, 1825,
a son of John and Mary (Ward) Tucker, he came to Kosciusko
County in 1846 and settled on 160 acres in Fi'anklin Township. He
cut the first tree on the land, lived in a log cabin, and in the fall of
1847 went back to Ohio, and on the following 13th of January mar-
ried Eliza Johnston. They returned to Indiana and occupied their
pioneer home in 1848, and in that log house their three children
were horn, including Rosella. Horace Tucker was remarkably pros-
perous in business and for many years ranked as one of the wealth-
iest citizens of Franklin Township. He was a stock raiser and also
a stock dealer, ;iiul it is said that be shijjped tlio first carload of stock
ever sent by rail from Warsaw. Otlier r(^fereiices to his career will
be found cm other pages of this ]iublicatioii.
Mr. and Mrs. Tinkey had four children: Laura M., still at home
with her parents; Alta M., who died at Rochester, Indiana, wife of
Norman Stower ; Nellie A., wife of Isaac Kern of Seward Township ;
and Horace G., who lives in Franklin Township and married Goldie
Melons.
Mr. Tinkey and wife are members of the Universalist Church at
Roan in Wabash County. He is also a past noble grand and has
been a member of tlie Givuid Lodge of tlie Independent Order of
Odd Fellows.
John E. De.vton, representing a family of long residence in Kos-
ciusko County, grew up on one of the farms in Clay Towni3hip, but
for a number of years has applied his energies most successfully to
business, and is proprietor of the Sidney Elevator in Jackson Town-
ship.
Mr. Deaton was born in Clarke County, Ohio, October 16, 1862,
son of George W. and Frances C. (Fortney) Deaton. George W.
Deaton, who died many years ago, was born and reared in Clarke
County, son of William Deaton, a sawmill man. George Deaton
married Miss Fortney March 9, 1856, and in March, 1863, they
brought their family to Kosciusko County and located in Clay Town-
404 HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY
ship. George W. Deatou was a hard worker, and succeeded iu es-
tablishing his family in good circumstances before his death. He
was an eloquent speaker and one of the leading advocates of the
republican part}'. He served a tenu as trustee of Clay Township,
and was the only republican ever elected to that office up to that time.
He was also a charter member of the Grange at Claypool, and was
an earnest member of the Jlethodist Episcopal Church. He and his
wife had eight children, seven sons and one daughter: William S.,
Jacob O.,, Mary B., John E., all of whom were born in Ohio, and
Samuel S., Ulysses, Cyinis B. and Charles G., who were born in
Clay Township. Those still living are Jacob 0., John E., Shennan
S., Cyrus B. and Charles G., the last a resident of Toledo, Ohio.
John E. Deaton was less than a year old when brought to Kos-
ciusko County. He grew up in Clay Township, attended the dis-
trict schools there, and was a factor in the home circle until the
age of twenty-one. March 11, 1888, he married Miss Louie E. Ball,
who was born in Lake Township of this county. After their mar-
riage they lived on a farm for several years, and then established
their home in Claypool, from which town Mr. Deaton traveled for two
years representing the Cleveland Stock Y^ards Company. Mr. Dea-
ton came to Sidney in 1905. buying the local elevator interests, and
has since handled a large share of the surplus grain marketed by the
farmers throughout Jackson and adjoining townships.
Mr. and Mrs. Deaton have three children : Sedie, a graduate of
high school and wife of Dale H. Homma ; Russell B., a gi-aduate of
high school and formerly a student of the Terre Haute State Nor-
mal School, is now associated with his father in the elevator at Sid-
ney, and married Gladys Baker; Mabel, a graduate of high school,
still at home with her parents and is teacher of domestic science in
the Sidney schools.
The family are meml)ers of the Christian Church. Mr. Deaton
is a trustee of the cliurch and is past noble grand of Sidney Lodge of
Independent Order of Odd Fellows, has sat in the Grand Lodge,
and is also affiliated with the Masonic Order. He has been quite
active in republican ranks for a number of years.
J. H. WiNDBiGLER represents an old and honored name in Kos-
ciusko County. His vocation has been that of an agriculturist, and
while he has never sought those honors associated with public office,
be has, nevertheless, rendered a valuable service to the community by
his industrious career as a farmer and through his support of all
public spirited enterprises, church, good schools and other affairs
touching the community welfare. His farm, comprising eighty-nine
acres of thoroughly cultivated land, is situated in Seward Town-
ship.
Mr. Windbigler was born in Newcastle Township of Fulton
County, Indiana, March 10, 1851, son of John B. and Rebecca (Bark-
man) Windbigler. His father and also his grandfather. John Wind-
])igler, were shoemakers by trade, and the family came west from
Pennsylvania, where they had lived for a number of generations.
HISTOKY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY 40r.
Mr. Windbigler's maternal grandfather, John Barknian, was also a
shoemaker by trade.
John B. Windbigler was born in Lancaster County, Pennsylva-
nia, son of John and Mary (Buchter) Windbigler, natives of the
same county. His parents moved to Richland County, Ohio, and in
1852 the family came to Indiana, fii-st locating in Marshall County,
later moving to a farm in Newton County, where John Windbigler.
the gi-andfather died. His widow afterwards lived in Kosciusko
County among her children.
John B. Windbigler was reared in Ohio and married Miss Rebecca
Barkman there. On coming to Indiana he settled in Pulton County,
bought and cleared a tract of timbered land, and after living on it
fifteen years sold and moved further west in 1867 to Carroll County,
Missouri. From there two years later he returned to Indiana and
bought his farm in Kosciusko County. Here he lived to improve his
land, was a capable and industrious citizen, and one of the leaders
in the local democratic party and a devout member of the Church
of God. He died in 1913, aiid his widow in 1909. While a resident
of Fulton County he served as justice of the peace two years. John
B. Windbigler and wife had seven children : Jeremiah H. ; Mar\^
E., deceased; James W., deceased; John_F., who was born while the
family lived in Missouri and is now a resident of Kansas; Rebecca
L., deceased ; Louis A., of Wabash, Indiana ; and T. B., also of
Wabash.
Jeremiah H. Windbigler grew up in Fulton and Kosciusko
counties and had the advantages of the local schools while a boy.
When he was twenty-one years of age he left home to support him-
self and carve out his own destiny. February 25, 1877, he married
Miss Fanny Funk, who was born near Silver Lake in Kosciusko
County February 20, 1852, daughter of Henry B. and Polly (Beigh)
Fiuik. Her parents were natives of Pennsylvania and came to Kos-
ciusko County from Ohio. The Funk family has long been a promi-
nent one in this section of Indiana. Mrs. Windbigler is a grand-
daughter of Jacob Funk, and her remote ancestors came to America
from Germany. Jlr. and Mrs. Funk had three children : Fanny,
Mrs. Windbigler; Anna C, wife of Aaron Boyer. of Jackson Town-
ship; and Mary A., wife of Morrison Paulus, of Lake Township.
Mrs. Windbigler was carefully educated at home and in the com-
mon schools. After their marriage they started as renters on the
old Funk estate, lived there for six years, then rented elsewhere, and
finally bought a farm in Fulton County. Several exchanges of
property followed and eventually they returned to Kosciusko County
and bought their present i)lace.
^Ir. and Mrs. Windbigler have three children: Levi B.. who is
a resident of Franklin Township and married Pearl Norris; Mary,
a graduate of the common schools and wife of Herman Swick, of
Seward Township; and Anna L.. wife of Harrison Armey, who lives
on Mr. Windbigler 's farm. Mr. Windbigler and wife are also proud
of their ten grandchildren. The family are members of the Church
of God, and in politics Mr. Windbigler is a democrat.
406 HISTORY OP KOSCIUSKO COUNTY
Irvin H. Ulsh. a practical agriculturist, giving close attention
to the management of his farm, Irvin H. Ulsh of Seward Township
is meeting with well earned success in his work and is a popular
and higlily esteemed citizen in his community. His farm lies three
and a half miles southwest of Claypool.
Mr. Ulsh was born in Miami County, Indiana, June 19, 1859,
and is a son of Benjamin and Lydia (Lautsenhizer) Ulsh. His
parents were both bom in Pennsylvania, but M^ere married after
they came to Indiana and then settled in Kosciusko County on the
farm now owned by C. M. Regnaous. Much of the land of this farm
was cleared by the senior Ulsh, and he lived there until he went to
Texas in 1884. He was a soldier of the Civil "War, serving in the
Union Army for nine months, and it was at the close of that struggle
that he settled in Seward Township. He died in Texas, while his
wife passed away at North Manchester in 1865. They had three
children: Irvin H. ; M. J., who is married and lives at Laketon,
Indiana; and Viola H., who died in Oklahoma.
Irvin H. Ulsh was about six and a half years old when his mother
died, and that was the first important loss and handicap which he
had to overcome in liis early life. As a lioy he attended school at
North Manchester, Laketon audi in Seward Township, and took
most of the studies taught in the common schools. He was at home
until twenty-one, and gave to his father all that he made. He
started out for himself as an agriculturist and at the age of twenty-
nine married Mrs. Eliza M. Caldwell, whose maiden name was Nel-
son. Her first husband was Joshua Caldwell. After their mar-
riage Mr. and Mrs. Ulsh lived a half mile west of Claypool, where
he farmed five years, and then sold out and came to his present place,
where he ovnis eighty acres of good land. In addition to general
farming, Mr. Ulsh has had a very unusual success as a poulti-yman.
He has raised chickens and produced eggs on a large scale, and
has developed a high class utility flock.
Mr. Ulsh has two sons, Irvin V. and Benjamin F. The older son
is a graduate of the common schools and also attended the Claypool
High School. He is a Seward Township farmer, and married Ollie
M. Poster. The younger son married Miss Parker and also lives
in Seward Township. In political belief Mr. Ulsh is a socialist.
Harvey Meredith is anothei'' Kosciusko County citizen who had
to start life with very little capital, with such experience as he had
been able to gather when a boy on the farm, and he has utilized his
opportunities and directed his energies to a point where he is now the
possessor of a good farm, is more than paying his way, and is looked-
upon as one of the most substantial citizens of Seward Township.
His home is on Rural Route No. 3 out of Akron, Indiana.
Mr. Meredith was born a few miles west of where he now lives,
in Franklin Township, March 26, 1875, a son of Simon and Sarah
(Cattern) Meredith. His father was a native of Pennsylvania and
his mother of Ohio. They married in Franklin Township of this
county and were identified with farming in that locality until the
HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY 407
death of the father. The widowed mother survived until 1911.
There were three sous: Willis, who lives on the old homestead;
Harry, whose home is three and a half miles southeast of Claypool •
and Harvey. '
Mr. Harvey Meredith grew up in Franklin Township and attended
the public schools of his home locality. He made himself useful by
his work on the home place imtil he was twenty-tive, and then estab-
lished a home of his own by his marriage on February 4, 1900, to
Miss Ada Paxton. Mrs. Meredith was born in Silver Lake,' Indiana,
and was educated in the schools of Seward Township. After their
marriage Mr. and Mrs. Meredith chose the role of renters for a time,
later bought land in Seward Township, and a few years ago traded
that for the sixty-acre fanu where Mr. Meredith and his family still
reside. Mrs. Meredith died July 12, 1917, and four children mourn
her loss. These children are: Opal, Trelba, Alonzo and Donovan.
Opal, the oldest, was born July 1, 1902, and has finished the work
of the common schools. Mr. Meredith and children are members of
the Wesleyan Methodist Church, and in politics he votes as a re-
publican.
Frank Alex.^ndek. Success has amply attended the efforts of
Frank Alexander, who has devoted himself with diligence and energy
to the farming business nearly all his life. He is a representative
of the progressive type of farmer, and today is cultivating and
handling the resources of one of the good farms in Seward Town-
ship. The Alexander home is in section 36 of that township, one
and a half miles west and one and a quarter miles north of Silver
Lake.
About three miles west of his present home Mr. Alexander was
born January 4, 1870, a son of Mathew and Editha (Darlin) Alex-
ander. His parents were both natives of Richland County, Ohio,
grew up and married there, and in 1865 brought their family to Kos-
ciusko County. The parents located on a tract of land in Seward
Township about half way between Yellow Creek and Beaver Dam
lakes. Thev spent their lives there. The father was a republican.
Of the nine children six are still living. Peter, of Warsaw; Jona-
than, of Seward Township; Ida, wife of Elias Parker; Nettie, wife
of Hollis Tucker, of Akron, Indiana ; George M., of Seward Town-
ship ; and Frank.
Frank Alexander grew up on the old homestead and attended
the district school in the same community. December 24, 1891, he
married Miss Rose Stoffer. She was born 'in Miami County, Indiana.
For a number of years Mr. Alexander owned eighty acres of the old
homestead, but in 1907 sold that and came to his present farm, also
comprising eighty acres. He is engaged in general farming and
.stock raising. Mr. Alexander votes the republican ticket.
He and his wife have three interesting young .sons : Myrl, a grad-
uate of the common schools and high school ; Gurney L., who has fin-
ished the course of the common schools; and Luhr, now attending
the grade school.
408 HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY
Isaac B. Hire is one of the oldest native sons of Kosciusko
County still living, and has spent his life actively and prosperously
as a farmer and stockman. He is now living at Burket.
The first stock buyers operating on an extensive scale through
this section of Indiana were his father, Rudolph Hire, and Wash-
ington Bybee. Long before railroads were built and when the only
known means of getting livestock across the country was by driving,
these men were among the chief drovers from this section of the
countrj^ They frequently drove their cattle and other livestock to
market at Cleveland. The business, still one of large proportions,
was acquired in 1864 bj' Allen Bybee, and Milton E. and I. B. Hire,
under the firm name of Hire, Bybee & Company, and they contin-
ued buying and shipping hogs, cattle, sheep and horses for nearly
forty years. Their operations were on a large scale, and while there
were of course many transactions which did not yield a profit, the
business on the whole was a prosperous one. They bought livestock
all over Northern Indiana and Ohio, and in this way Isaac B. Hire
came to be a well known figure to the stock raisers throughout many
counties. ]Mr. Hire was also solicitor for passenger traffic on the
New York, Chicago & St. Louis Railroad for fifteen years.
He was born in Franklin Township of this county April 28,
1844, a son of Rudolph and Hannah (Linsey) Hire. Rudolph Hire
was born in Ross County, Ohio, April 2, 1817, and his wife was born
in Indiana in 182.5. He was a small boy when his parents moved to
Elkhart C'ounty. and from there he came to Prairie Township of
Kosciusko County. He and his wife married in Franklin Township
and they then located in that region, but eventually moved to Bur-
ket. Rudolph Hire was one of the leading citizens of the county
and was so esteemed at the time of his death in 1889. His widow
survived until April 4, 1911. Both were members of the Dunkard
church and he was a democrat They had eleven children, includ-
ing: Milton E., deceased; Isaac B. ; Nancy A., widow of John
Jones; Mary, who married Orlando Sludy, and both are now de-
ceased; Eliza, deceased, wife of George Melons; Susan, was the wife
of Alonzo Study ; Lillie, wife of Charles Eggleston, living in Califor-
nia ; Alpheus, of "Warsaw ; and Allen, deceased.
Isaac B. Hire grew to manhood on his father's place in Frank-
lin Township and was given such advantages as the local schools
could afl'ord. At the age of twent.y-one he married ^liss Maria War-
ren. To their union were born five children, and the only one living
is Noi-ma H. Hire of Blue Springs, Missouri. On April 24, 1891,
Mr. Hire married for his second wife Amanda Wirick, who was
Iwrn in Richland County, Ohio, May 21, 1852, and was brought to
Kosciusko County at the age of two years. Mr. and Mrs. Hire have
no children of their own and a nephew lives with them on their
home place of seventy acres. Mr. Hire also owns 640 acres of
good land in the State of Texas. In addition to farming and
the stock business he has readily enlisted his energies and influence
in behalf of every community undertaking. For two years he served
in Franklin Township, and while in that office he set the
HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY 40;)
record for speed iu compiling the assessment roll, doing the entire
work in twenty-two days. Mr. Hire is a democrat in politics.
John W. Fitton is one of the thoroughly businesslike farmers
of Seward Township. He cultivates his fields, raises stock, buys and
feeds cattle, is interested in the Equity Union Elevator Company at
Burket, and in many other ways ke«ps in close touch with the prog-
ress of his community and is doing what he can to increase the effi-
ciency of this community as one of the many factors in America's
stupendous war program. The Fitton farm is in section 28 of Sew-
ard To\\^lship and comprises 100 acres of well-tilled fields, feed lots
and building improvements.
Mr. Fitton was born in the same township July 19, 1876, son of
Robert and Jane (Parker) Fitton. His parents were also natives
of this county, his fatlier l)orn February 17, 1839, and his mother
February 20, 1851. Robert Fitton died in 1878. when his son John
was only two yeai-s old. The latter was the only son and he grew
to manhood without the care or supervision of a father. Until he
was eleven years of age he lived with his mother on the farm now
owned by George W. Bouse, and after that made his home in differ-
ent places until he came to the farm he now owns, iu March, 1895.
November 24, 1894, Mr. Fitton married Miss Sadie Rickel. She
represents one of the oldest pioneer families of Kosciusko County.
Her grandfather, Samuel Rickel, was born in Pennsylvania March
14, 1810, son of Mathias and Catherine (Croyle) Rickel. The Rickel
family left Penns.ylvania iu 1818, and Mathias and his wife spent
the rest of their years in Ohio. In Wayne County, Ohio, Samuel
Rickel married in 1835 JMiss Sarah Moyer, and of their nine children
si.x were born in Kosciusko County. Samuel Rickel brought his fam-
ily to Kosciusko County in 1842, and established his home in tlio
woods of Franklin Township. He had many interesting pioneer
experiences. He entered his land from the government and ac-
quired patent signed by President John Tyler. His first house was
a log cabin, and the roof was so low that a full grown man could
not enter the door without stooping. He lived on wild game, veni-
son and turkey, had experiences with wolves, plowed his fields with
a yoke of cattle, and served as the first postmaster in Franklin
Township of Beaver Dam postoffice, his commission being given him
in 1844, and for twenty years he held that dignity, but doubtless
paid in service more than he received, since it was the custom for
people journeying a long distance to the postoffice to en.joy the hos-
pitality of the postmaster at the meals and even staying over night
occasionally. He was also the first tnistee of Franklin Township,
and his son William, father of Mrs. Fitton, en.joyed similar honors.
William Rickel was born in Wayne county, Ohio, April 19, 1836.
He was a democrat in politics and served as trustee of Seward Town-
ship eleven years. He married Miss Mary Swick, and they had
seven children, three of whom are still living: Samuel and George,
the former a resident of Jennings County and the latter of Han-
cock, Wisconsin; and Sadie, Mrs. Fitton. Mm. Fitton grew up and
410 HLSTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY
spent her early life on the banks of Beaver Dam Lake, and attended
the common schools there.
Mr. and Mrs. Fitton have seven children. Lloyd is now in the
army as a mechanic in the aviation eoi-ps, having received his train-
ing at the aviation field near Fort Worth, Texas. Edna is a gradu-
ate of the common schools and the wife of Russell Barber. Ida has
finished the common school course and is living at home, as is Ruth,
while the younger children are Marie, Orville and Neva. The fam-
ily are members of the United Brethren Cliurch and ^Ir. Fitton is
a democratic voter.
R.VNDOLPH B. Allison. The dui'able satisfactions of life are
those won by hard work and by the overcoming of many obstacles.
While he is now generally recognized as one of the successful and
substantial farmers and stock raisers of Kosciusko County, there
was a time when Randolph B. Allison had to depend upon the work
of his hands at day and monthly wages. He paid for his first land
in that way, and with the co-operation of a loyal wife has made
progress over obstacles and has achieved his present position and
success in the world. Mr. Allison is proprietor of the Lakeside Farm
of eighty acres a half mile south of Yellow Bank in Tippecanoe
Township.
He is a native of Delaware County, Indiana, wliere lie was born
November 28, 1859, son of Samuel and Martha .(Fields) Allison.
The parents were lioth natives of Pennsylvania, wliei-c they grew up
and married, from there moved to Ohio, and a little later to Dela-
ware County, Indiana, and their next move took them to Sullivan
County in this state, and from there they came to Kosciusko County,
locating in Plain Township, where they acquii-ed seventy-two acres
southeast of Leesburg. Eight years later they made their final
move to Tippecanoe Township, where the mother spent her last
yeai*s. The father died in Missouri. Of their twelve childi-en eight
are still living, and the family are now widely scattered: Emma,
unmarried, at Leesburg; Randolph B.; Samuel, of Kansas; William,
of Missouri ; Perry, of North Dakota ; John A. and Madison, twins,
the former in Wyoming and tlie latter in Oklahoma : and Arthur,
in Wj'Oming.
Randolph B. Allison grew up in Kosciusko County and attended
public schools to the age of sixteen. Even before that he had been
working and contributing his help to the support of the family. He
has made his own way since early youth.
On July 15, 1882, ^Ir. Allison married Miss Leuesa Steniler.
^Irs. Allison was born at North Webster August 14, 1866, daughter
of Jacob and Elizabeth (Arnold) Stemler. Her parents were both
natives of Gennany. Her father came to this country w-hen a
young man and her mother with her parents. They married in Ohio
and from there moved to North Webster. JaeoJi Stemler became
widely known in that community. He was the first shoemaker to
locate in the town, and being a man of expert skill he had a large
trade and continued active in the work until advanced years over-
HISTORY -OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY 411
took hiin. He was a charter member of the Evangelical Church and
a trustee. His wife died in 1893, while he passed away in 1901. In
the Stemler family were eight children, four of whom died young.
Catherine, the oldest of those who grew up, married Hiram Kindle.
The second, Mary, is the wife of John Webber, of Nappanee, Indi-
ana; Emma is the wife of Lewis Baugher; Leuesa, the j-oungest, is
^[rs. Allison. Mrs. Allison was educated in the common schools.
After his marriage Mr. Allison supported his little family by
monthly wages, and for two years lived in Kansas. On returning to
this country he again resumed his program of work bj^ the day.
His first purchase of land was ten acres and it was paid for by his
wages. He then bought ten acres more, also rented grouiul, and
finally acquired sixty acres, and has gi-adually built up the Lakeside
Farm, which is widely known for its fine Norman horses.
Mr. and Mi-s. Allison have one daughter, Elizabeth. She is now
the wife of Milo Daniels, and lives in Elkhart, Indiana. Mr. and
Mrs. Daniels have four children : Kuth E., Marv E., Louise, and
C. Wilber.
The family are members of the Evangelical Church at North
Webster, and Mr. Allison is one of the trustees and a class leader,
and for twenty years was superintendent of its Sunday school. In
polities he votes as a democrat. He is one of the directors of the
Farmers State Bank at North Webster.
H. G. Mickey, whose home is at Piereetou, has been successfully
identified with Kosciusko County for practically all the years of his
life, was formerly a farmer, but is now one of the leading contractors
in cement work and especially in bridge building. Mr. Mickey is
especially well known in Washington Township on account of his
long and creditable service as township assessor.
Mr. Mickey was born in Kosciusko County, west of Silver Lake,
April 6, 1864, son of Isaac and Jlary (Bryan) Mickey. His father
was a native of Penn.sylvania and his mother of Ohio. They married
in Ohio, and coming to Indiana settled on a farm in Kosciusko
County, where they spent the rest of their years. They were verj'
active church members, and he was identified with the republican
party, though never as an aspirant for office. Of their seven chil-
dren three are still living: Marj', wife of Samuel Funk, of War-
saw; Martha J., wife of Joseph Scott, of Ludlow, six miles southeast
of Warsaw; and H. G. Mickey.
H. G. Mickey spent his early life on a farm near Ludlow, was
educated in the public schools there and lived with his parents until
he was twenty years old. When he started out for himself he had
no capital but diligence and readiness to accept responsibilities, and
confidence in his own powers have taken him steadily along the road
to success. He began farming as a renter, and was identified with
agriculture as his chief vocation until 1914, when he formally took
up contracting in cement and bridge building.
October 18, 1888, Mr. Mickey married Miss Ida M. Hover,, a
native of Kosciusko County. Three children are still living : Ralph
412 HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY
E., a graduate of the common schools and married and living in Kos-
ciusko County; Lawrence R., a graduate of the common schools and
still single ; and Mary M., wife of Byron Davis. The family are
members of the United Brethren Church at Wooster, Indiana. Mr.
Mickey has served as superintendent of the Sunday school for twenty
years and in church as well as in civic affairs has always tried to do
"his utmost. In politics he is a republican, but has only sought to do
his duty as a trustworth.y voter in politics and as a worker for com-
munity progress. He was elected township assessor for four years,
held the office for six years altogether, and later was again elected
for a term of four years, so that when he resigned in the spring of
1918 to engage in bridge building he had filled a term aggregating
ten 3'ears.
Levi Swick. The community to which Levi Swiek has con-
tributed his energies as a successful farmer and as an upright and
straight-forward citizen is in Seward Township, his valuable fann
being five and a half miles northeast of Akron on rural route No. 2.
Mr. Swick was born in Wyandot County, Ohio, March 7, 1859,
son of William and Mary (Shoop) Swiek. His father was bom in
Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, December 24, 1812, and his
mother in Stark County, Ohio, September 1, 1817. The.v were mar-
ried AugiTst 17, 1837, and in the fall of 1860 they moved to Indiana
and located on a farm near Beaver Dam Lake. That community had
the benefit of this industrious family until the death of Mrs. ilary
Swick on June 15, 1885. The father then moved to Silver Lake, and
spent his last years on the farm now owned by his son Levi, where
he died December 9, 1897. Both the parents were very active workere
and members of the Church of God, and in politics AVilliam Swick
gave his allegiance to the democratic party. He and his wife had
eleven children, six sons and five daughters, named : Mary, Eliza-
beth, Catherine, Henry, Samuel, John, Di-ana, Alpheus, George, Levi
and Lucinda. All are still living except ]Mary and Catherine.
Levi Swick was about a .year old when brought to Indiana. As
he grew to manhood he attended the district schools and lived in the
home circle and shared in the responsibilities and work of the home
fai-m until a short time after his mother's death. He then estab-
lished a home of his own by his marriage on November 8, 1885, to Miss
Maggie Wiece. She was born in the Republic of Switzerland Janu-
ary 31, 1867, and was a young girl of sixteen when in 1883 she came
to the United States with her mother. She lived near Silver Lake
until her marriage, and her education was acquired in the schools of
her native land. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Swick rented
the old Swick farm for five years, and then with the other heirs
bought the father's farm. It has been their home now for over
thirty years, and eighty acres of excellent land have responded to
the care and cultivation of Mr. Swick, though in recent years some
of the heavier labore have been assumed by his sturdy sons. There
are three bo.ys in the family: Ira, born October 21, 1888, is a grad-
uate of the common schools, and is a resident of Seward Township.
HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY 4i:i
He married Goldie Jenkins. Sherman, the second son, born June 3,
1892, married Viola Young and lives in Miami County, Indiana.
Percy W., born October 6, 1895, is a graduate of the common schools
and is now doing much of the farm work for his father. He married
Olive M. Reddinger. Mrs. Swick is a member of the Church of God.
Politically Mr. Swick votes as a democrat, and has always taken an
active interest in local affairs and in questions of public policy.
Ben.jamin F. WiLLi.vMSON. The community of Packerton recog-
nizes in Benjamin F. Williamson one of its most important person-
ages, a man of usefulness to the entire community. He is a veteran
of the telegraph ke.y, having been operator and agent in railroad
service for a number of years. He is still connected in that capacity
with the Nickel Plate Railway, but is also a farmer and stock raiser
at Packerton.
Mr. Williamson was born at Burket in Seward Township of Kos-
ciusko County January 13, 1886, son of John H. and Sarah A.
(Byers) Williamson. His father was born in Miami County, In-
diana, and his mother in Johnson County. Benjamin F. William-
son has a common school education and attended Burket High
School three .years. It was his early ambition to become a railroad
man and he entered the service through the avenue of telegraphy,
which he learned in one of the local offices. For a year and a half
he was agent and operator for the Nickel Plate at Bremen and was
then transferred to Packerton, both as agent and operator, and re-
mained here steadily for seven and a half years. At present he
is performing the duties of operator at Claypool, though his home
is at Packerton.
In 1907 Mr. Williamson married Zora C. Borton, who was born
near Mentone, Indiana, and was educated in the common schools.
Mr. Williamson's home at Packerton comprises a well-improved
farm of forty-three acres, where he has a modern home and all the
facilities for his business as a stock raiser. He specializes in hogs,
and is rapidly earning a place among the stockmen of the county.
He is a member of the United Brethren Church at Packerton,
has served as class leader and superintendent of the Sunday school,
and he and his wife have done much to uphold the varioiLS moral and
religious activities of their community. In politics he votes as a
republican.
Perry Silveus. Thirty-four years" residence in Kosciusko
County gives Mr. Silveus many interesting as well as honorable
associations here, and his enterprise as a farmer, his kindly and
genial disposition and his public spirit have earned him a place of es-
teem in Seward Township, where he owns one of the best farms, four
and a half miles west and half a mile south of Silver Lake.
Mr. Silveus is of a Virginia family and was born in Rockingham
County of that state August 8, 1858, a son of William and Susanna
(Tusing) Silveus. His parents were bom in Virginia, grew up and
married there, and soon afterward moved to Indiana and located in
414 HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY
Kosciusko County. The first summer was a dispiriting one to them,
especially in the matter of climate, and they went back to Virginia.
About the close of the Civil War they came west again, locating near
Tiffin, Ohio, for four years. Again they spent a season of four years in
Virginia, and after that lived one year in Seneca County, Ohio, and
then moved to Henry County, Ohio, where the parents spent their
last years. They were very active members of the Baptist Church,
and William Silveus was a democrat. There were eleven children,
five of whom are still living: Simon A., a retired fanner at War-
saw ; Perry ; John, a cai-penter living in California ; Menassa, a Bap-
tist minister and a farmer; Amos, a farmer in Ohio.
Perry Silveus spent most of his boyhood and vouth in Seneca and
Henry counties, Ohio. The district schools tliere gave him his edu-
cation until he was thirteen years of age. and after that he sturdily
helped his father on the home farm until he was past twenty-three.
January 22, 1882, Mr. Silveus married Delia J. Steward, of Henry
County, Ohio, where she was born January 4, 1864, daughter of
Thomas Steward.
After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Silveus lived on a farm in
Henry County, Ohio, for two years and then settled in Kosciusko
Coimty, near Milford in Van Buren Township. Later they bought
a farm in Jefferson Town.ship, and that was their home until 1907,
when they came to their present happy location in Seward Town-
ship. Mr. Silveus has 120 acres of land, and it is thoroughly devel-
oped according to methods and principles of modern and "efficient
farming. In politics he is a democrat.
Burlington D. Hibschman. In giving honor where honor is due
more than pa.ssing mention should be granted Burlington D. Hibsch-
man, who began life empty-handed and has accumulated a good prop-
erty by dint of energetic and well-directed effort. The Civil war, in
taking its great toll of death, left many lads fatherless at a time when
they needed not only the material support but the moral direction of
the elder men. Many of these youths were forced to fight their own
way through life, and of this class Mr. Hibschman, who is now one of
the substantial agriculturists of the vicinity of Warsaw, is an excel-
lent example.
Mr. Hibschman was born in Kosciusko County, Indiana, February
11, 1859, and is a son of Henry and Sarah J. (Boliu) Hibschman. His
paternal grandfather was a native of Pennsylvania who moved to Indi-
ana at a very early day and settled on a farm, where he passed tlie re-
mainder of his life, while his maternal grandfather was Elisha Bolin,
who passed the greater part of his active life in the country in Wabash
County, Indiana, where his death occurred. Henry Hibschman was
born in Ohio, and was still a youth when brought by his parents to.
Kosciusko County. In young manhood he had learned the trade of
stone mason, and this trade he was following when the Civil war came
on and his patriotism led him to enlist. In 1862 he became a memlier
of the Seventy-Fourth Regiment, Indiana Volunteer Infantry, with
wliich he served bravely and faithfully until the battle of Chicka-
i
^yrtoiyiZh^ . w^. c^d-^.^^e-o^-
^r:^,^..^^.
HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY 415
mauga, September 19, 1863, on which bloody field he lost his life. Mr.
Hibschman was a republican in his political views, and a member of
the United Brethren Church, to which Mrs. Hibschman also belongs.
. She was born in Wabash County, Indiana, and now makes her home at
Warsaw, having reached the advanced age of eighty-one years. They
were the parents of two children : Burlington D. ; and Mrs. Edith
Hollaway, who lives at Warsaw.
The educational advantages of Burlington D. Hibschman were not
numerous, as he was not five years of age when his father, who had ac-
cumulated only a small property, lost his life. However, the lad made
the most of his opportunities as granted in the country schools, and
early learned to be self reliant and independent. His early training
was on the farm, and it was but natural that he should adopt an ag-
ricultural career. He was married in 1882 to Miss E. M. McKinsis,
and to this union were born two children. Angle and Erba. They were
industrious and thrifty and saved their earnings carefully, so that by
1900 they were able to realize their ambition to become landholders, in
that year purchasing their present property, a tract of 100 acres, all
paid for by their hard and persistent labor. Under modern methods
he is making a success of his operations, and now grows all the small
grains in addition to breeding and shipping cattle, hogs, sheep and
horses. His buildings are commodious and attractive, his machinery
modern, and everything about the place gives evidence of the presence
of thrift and good management. Politically Mr. Hibschman is a re-
publican, but he has been so busily engaged with his farm work that
he has found no time to enter politics as a seeker for office, atlhough all
good movements have received his hearty and generous support. With
his family he belongs to the IMethodist Episcopal Church, in which he
has held a number of offices.
Thomas B. Sarber. Now spending his declining years on his
farm in Seward Township, enjoying peace and comfort, Thomas B.
Sarber is one of the older residents of Kosciusko County, and the
years have dealt kindly with him, but only to the extent of his deserts
and the value of his citizenship. His home is in section 22, four
miles west of Claypool.
Mr. Sarber was born in Harrison Township of this county Octo-
ber 4, 1842, a son of Abraham and Louisa (Hendren) Sarber. His
parents were married in Franklin County, Ohio, and two years later
sold their farm in that county and moved to Putnam County in
the same state, where for a time they lived with their nearest neigh-
bors ten miles away. Abraham Sarber was not only a pioneer in
reclaiming the wilderness of Putnam County, but also laid out and
founded the Town of Kalida, which has since grown and prospered
and is the county seat. In 1836 he sold his Ohio interests and moved
to Iroquois County, Illinois, and after four years in the Prairie
State came in the fall of 1840 to Kosciusko County.
Here his residence was marked by equal activity and enterprise.
416 HISTOKY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY
In 1841 he built a sawmill at Palestine, and in 1843 built a grist
mill. His sawmill in 1843 supplied the Imnber for the first frame
courthouse of Kosciusko County. The Sarber mills were the first
institutions of any importance in the south side of Kosciusko County.
He sold those properties in the fall of 1843 and bought a farm on
the north side of Harrison Township. In 1863, after the death of
his first wife, he bought a farm near Atwood and property in that
town, and lived there until his death, February 27, 1880. For his
second wife he married Miss Eliza Crane. They had one son, David.
Abraham and Louisa Sarber were the parents of eight children:
William, Adam, Melissa, Amanda, Mary, Thomas B., Dorothy and
John.
Thomas Benton Sarbei' grew up and spent most of his youth in
Harrison Township on the old fai"m in section 4. The district
schools furnished him his educational opportunities until he was
sixteen, and during 1858-59 he was one of the first students in the
public graded school at Warsaw, when that school was taught by
D. T. Johnson and wife. Farming experience followed his educa-
tion and on May 24, 1863, at the age of twenty-one, he married Miss
Martha A. Timmons, daughter of William and Catheiine Timmons,
natives of Delaware and ilaryland, respectively, who came from
Fayette County, Ohio, in 1845 and settled in Wajoie Township of
Kosciusko County.
After his marriage Mr. Sarber spent a year in Eel River Town-
ship of Allen County, then lived for a year on a farm north of
Hellers Corners, and in the spring of 1866 acquired forty acres
included in the Sarber farm of Seward Township. This land was
covered with hea\';\- woods, and it was his task, worthily fulfilled,
to clear it up and develop its possibilities as a productive farm.
The only improvement on the land when he took possession was an
old log cabin. Subsequent years brought him increase of comforts
and prosperity, represented by the accumulation of a hundred acres
of land, but most of this he has since sold his sous, and now retains
only twenty acres as his individual home.
IMr. Sarber 's name is prominently identified with the history
of the Village of Burket. He built the first store there in the spring
of 1882. He was also a passenger on the first train of ears in Sew-
ard Township. He has been an active party man as a democrat,
but only once accepted the honor of nomination for an important
office, in 1884, when as candidate for sheriff he ran way ahead
of his ticket. He has also sei^ved as a member of the democratic
committees.
Mr. Sarber was happily married for over half a century, and
in 1913 he and his good wife celebrated their golden wedding anni-
versary. Their companionship was continued five years longer until
Mrs. Sarber died June 16, 1918. She was a devout member of the
United Brethren church. To their marriage were born three chil-
dren : Edson B., born ^March 11, 1864, a graduate of Valparaiso
University, formerly a teacher, for thirteen years county superin-
tendent of schools, and now connected with the Leonard Supply
1320399
HISTORY OP KOSCIUSKO COUNTY 417
Compan}^ Edson Sarber married Miss Ollie Rickel, dauo-liter of
George W. and Mary Rickel. Louisa C, the only daughter of Mr.
and Mrs. Sarber, died in infancy. Andrew E., a native of Seward
Township, wa.s for miany years a teacher in the county and is now
engaged in farming and teaching. He married Ettie E. Anglin,
daughter of S. D. Anglin, a former superintendent of public schools
of this county. Thomas B. Sarber also has two grandchildren, Earl
F. and Beulah May, son and daughter of Andrew E. and Etta E Sar-
ber. Earl P., born October 21, 1889, worked on the farm in the summer
and attended school at Burket in the winter until the winter of 1908
and 1909, when he finished his course in the Warsaw high school On
September 9, 1916, he was married to Miss Edna, the only child of Mr
and Mrs. William Vernett, of Marshall County, Indiana. To them was
born a daughter, March 4, 1918, named Ettiemae, and she is the
delight of all her relations and always has a sweet smile for her
great-grandfather. Beulah May, sister of Earl, was born on the
10th of January, 1898. She has always been a diligent student, ever
at the head of her classes, and she graduated from the high school
at Burket in 1914, after which she spent two terms in Winona Col-
lege. It was while there that her health failed, and she went to
Hinsdale Sanitarium, Hinsdale, Illinois, where she regained her
health and was so favorably impressed with the institution that she
IS remaining there for a three years' training course in scientific
nui-sing.
A bright future is predicted for Earl and Beulah Sarber. Earl
IS a successful young farmer and Beulah will make good at any-
thing she luidertakes. Thomas B. Sarber may well be proud of his
posterity. In his religious views Mr. Sarber is a devout Seventh Day
Adventist.
Ernest B. Williamson is the telegraph operator and railroad
agent at Burkett, and also owner and manager of the Evergreen Stock
Farm adjoining that village— all of which makes him one of the most
useful and prominent men of that community. Mr. Williamson is a
young man, of exceptional business enterpri.se and energy, and fo" a
number of years has been engaged in the great es.sential industry' of
railroading.
He was born in Seward Township of this county January 19 1882
a son of John H. and Sarah A. (Beyers) Williamson. He grew up
on his father's fam with such advantages as the district schools
aftorded, togetlier with high school. As a hoy lie took up telegraphy
and has been employed as an operator or as operator and agent with
this road fifteen years. However, there was an interval of two years
when he was out of the service engaged in operating an elevator in
Kaber. He ha.s a record of faithful and efficient service as a teleg-
rapher, and IS particularly a business man and has done much to
build up the volume of traffic for his road at Burket. He is one of
the stockholders in the Burkett Grain Elevator. His stock fai-m
compri,ses fifty acres, and it is the home of some of the finest Duroc
Jersey hogs in Kosciusko County. His male is a registered pedi«^eed
418 HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY
animal named Colonel Sampson. Besides his hogs Mr. Williamson
has a flock of about 200 Rhode Island Red chickens.
He married Miss Minnie Mollenhour, who was born in Franklin
. Towaiship of this eountj' and is a graduate of the common schools.
Their family of four children are Laura, Lena, Ward and Porter.
Mr. and Mrs. Williamson are members of the Church of God and he is
affiliated with the Order of Railroad Telegraphers, and is a republi-
can voter.
Charles C. Carter started life with nothing but the strength of
his hands and the ambition of his mind to make the best of circum-
stances, and has achieved a position of success and responsibilities in
the community of Silver Lake, where he is a livestock dealer and an
extensive farmer.
Mr. Carter was born at Michigan City in LaPorte County, Indiana.
January 14, 1850, son of John G. and Mary (Windle) Carter, both
natives of Virginia. He is of old Virginia stock. His gi-andparents
were Robert E. and Catherine (Gatewood) Carter. Robert E. Carter
was at one time a principal in a leading military school in Virginia
and volunteered his services with the Ignited States Army in the war
with Mexico and gave up his life during that struggle. John G. Car-
ter grew up in Virginia and as a young man came to Indiana and
located in LaPorte County. He was a practical printer by trade,
and became interested in a newspaper at Michigan City. Later he
removed to Newton County, Indiana, took up fanning and spent the
rest of his life in that section of the state. He was a democrat in
politics. Of his six children three are living: Catherine, wife of
Francis Yeager, of Newton County ; Jerome A., a farmer in Seward
Towniship of this county and Charles C.
Charles C. Carter spent his boyhood in LaPorte and Newton
counties. His education was supplied by the district schools. He
was at home until twenty-six and left to begin life on his own account
with no capital and with only the experience of a practical farm youthJ-
On December 31, 1884, he married Lillie ^I. Bull. She was born
in Jasper County, Indiana, and grew up there, attending the district
schools. After their marriage 'Sir. and Mrs. Carter were farm renters
for nearly twenty years, and in that way they got their start in the
world. In 1901 Mr. Carter bought 164 acres in Kosciusko County ad-
joining the Village of Silver Lake on the east, and has used that valu-
able fann as a basis for his extensive dealing in livestock. He has
prospered, and throughout has relied on industry- and good judgment
to put him ahead in the world. He is also one of the directors of the
Commercial State Bank of Silver Lake and is a stockholder in the Fort
Wayne Rubber Company.
Mr. and Mrs. Carter have one daughter. Frances, wife of R. il.
Fry of Silver Lake. The family are members of the Methodist Epis-
copal Church and Jlr. Carter is one of its trustees. He is affiliated
with Silver Lake Lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows,
and has sem'ed as a Noble Grand and has sat in the Grand Lodge.
Politically his faith is that of a democrat.
HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY 419
Hon. Harry W. Kline, of Silver Lake, is a well known farmer
and stock buyer in that section of Kosciusko County and is well known
all over this part of the state as a leading man of affaii-s, influential
in politics, and a former representative in the State Legislature.
Mr. Kline was born at Silver Lake June 29, 1873, a son of George
W. and Mai-y (McClure) Kline. His father was born in Lake Town-
ship of this county in 1848, while his mother was born on the old
McClure farm in Seward Township in 1852. Her parents were
Elias and Mary A. (Freeman) McClure, McClure being one of the
oldest and best esteemed names in the county. George W. Kline was
reared on a farm and was for many yeai-s engaged as a teacher in the
public schools.
Harry W. Kline acquired a good education in both the common
and high schools of Silver Lake, and after graduating entered Val-
paraiso University. Mr. Kline, like his father, followed educational
woi'k for nine years in the local public schools. Some of his friends,
admiring his many versatile qualities and his ability as a public
speaker, induced him to enter politics in the campaign of 1902. He
was placed in nomination for state representative and was elected in
that year and re-elected in 1904, serving during the Sixty-Third and
Sixty-Fourth General Assemblies. He was a member of several impor-
tant committees and made a record highly creditable to himself and
to his constituency. For four years Mr. Kline has served as vice
chairman of the county central committee of the republican party.
Mr. Kline is a stockholder in the People's Telephone Company of
Silver Lake, and his business energies are chiefly engaged in buying
and shipping livestock. In that capacity he is known to nearly all
the farmers in this and several ad,joining counties.
Mr. Kline married Miss Iva Oldfather, daughter of H. L. Old-
father of Silver Lake. Mrs. Kline is a gi-aduate of the common
schools. They have two children : Marcus H., born March 26, 1902,
is a graduate of the common schools and a student in the Silver Lake
High School. Fanehon, the second child, was bom in 1905 and has
completed the work of the common schools. Mrs. Kline is a member
of the United Brethren Church at Silver Lake. Fraternally he is
affiliated with Denning Lodge No. 88, Ancient Free and Accepted
Masons, Lake View Lodge No. 164, Knights of Pythias, in which he
has passed all the chairs and has sat in the Grand Lodge, and is affil-
iated with Warsaw Lodge No. 802 of the Benevolent and Protective
Order of Elks.
Henry A. iloYER is a former Supervisor of Seward Township, and
owner of one of the good farms in that locality. It goes without say-
ing that he has lived with honor and with a satisfactory degree of ma-
terial success.
When he was thirteen he chose to support himself and help him-
self to those things for which his talents and work fitted him. He
was born in the township where he still lives November 26, 1865, son
of Henry and Rachel (Bowman) Moyer. His father was bom in
Pleasant Township of Wayne Countj', Ohio, February 1, 1823. His
420 HISTOKY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY
mother was born in Washington County, Pennsj-lvania, September 6,
1825. His parents were married November 28, 1847, and several
years later they moved to Kosciusko County and settled in Seward
Township. The father died here Januarj^ 14, 1866, when his sou
Henry was only a few montlis old, and his widow subsequently mar-
ried and moved to Texas. The record of the children of Henry and
Rachel Mojer is as follows: Orlanda H., born March 17, 1850; Jud-
son L.. born May 3, 1852 ; Alonzo, born August 27, 1856 ; Andrew Y.,
bom June 17, 1859 ; Oliver M., bom April 24, 1861 ; Henry A., born
November 26, 1865. It will be seen that Henry A. j\Ioyer is the young-
est of the children. After his father's death he lived on the home
farm in Seward Township, and attended the district schools as op-
portunity offered during the winter terms, "^lien he took upon
himself the role of a self-supporting boy it was as a farm hand, at
monthly wages, and he continued in that way until he was twenty-
one.
September 11, 1887, IMr. Moyer married Miss Mary Skinner. She
was born in Clay Township of this county November 26, 1865, and is
therefore of the same age as her husband. She was educated in the
common schools. After their marriage Mr. and I\Irs. Moyer lived in
Seward Township, where they bought a farm, and since then have
been steadily making their way toward better home conditions and
that larger usefulness which is represented by a good farm, a grow-
ing family, and an attitude of helpfulness in neighborly affairs. Mr.
and Mrs. Moyer have two living children : Pearl, born August 22, 1890,
a graduate of the common and high schools, now the wife of Elza Heek-
man of Clay Township. Beatrice, the second daughter, was bom Oc-
tober 22, 1892, is a graduate of the common schools and is the wife
of Hershel Day of Seward Township.
The family are verv^ active members of the United Brethren
Church at Center, and Mr. Moyer is a class leader and for many
years has been taking a large share of the responsibility in the Sun-
day school and other departments of the church, ilrs. Moyer is a
teacher in the Sunday school. Mr. Moyer is affiliated with the Knights
of the Maccabees, and it was on the republican ticket that he was
elected supervisor of the township. His farm comprises 166 acres of
land, and the farm, its improvements and his fine home and family
constitute an en\'iable record for a man who started life on his own
resources as a poor boy.
>Irs. Mart Ford has an interesting place in the historj- of Kos-
ciusko County, due to her long residence here, and also to the fact
that she is directly connected with some of the most notable pio-
neers. Her father was Jacob Weirick, long one of the most promi-
nent citizens of Franklin Township, and her hvisband, the late Cal-
lender Ford, was a member of a family of similar pioneer connec-
tions with this county. i\Irs. Ford has one of the fine farm homes in
Franklin Township, located a mile south and two miles west of
Burket.
This branoli of the Ford family originated in England and was
(t^alie/yt'cU/u^iy^
HISTORY OP KOSCIUSKO COUNTY 42!
transplanted to the American colonies before the Revolution. Four
brothei-s served as patriot soldiers in the struggle for independence.
One of them was George Ford of Virginia. Henry Ford, son of
George, was born in Virginia, April 21, 1798, and married there
June 20, 1822, Miss Phoebe Minear. She was bom in Harrison
County, in what is now West Virginia, November 3, 1802, daugh-
ter of Adam and Elizabeth Minear, who were of English and Ger-
man ancestry. Henry and Phoebe Ford had eleven children, named
Lanty, Franklin, Elizabeth, John, Isaac, Noah, Eliza, Jacob, Shad-
rach, Callender and Daniel, the two last named being the last sur-
vivors. Seven of these children taught school, and three of them
read and practiced medicine.
It was in 1836 that Henry Ford brought his family to Kosciusko
County, first locating on the southeast quarter of section 35 in Frank-
lin Township. His nearest neighbors were members of the Cook
family three miles away. Later some New England families came
to that neighborhood and the road came to be designated Yankee
Street. Henry Ford lived there until 1858, having secured his land
direct from the government at the price of a dollar and a quarter
an acre. In 1858 he removed to section 13 of Franklin Township,
and died there September 10, 1872, at the age of seventy-four. His
wife died September 4, 1875. He was a justice of the peace, and
he and his wife were active Methodists. In politics he was a demo-
crat.
Callender Ford, husband of Mrs. Mary Ford, was born in Bar-
bour County, West Virginia, April 9, 1832, and was about four
years old when brought to Kosciusko County. He grew up in the
midst of frontier conditions, and achieved a place of distinction dur-
ing his mature life as a farmer and citizen. He married for his first
wife Susanna E. Weirick, who died leaving one son. After her
death he married Mary Weirick Ford, widow of Isaac Ford and
daughter of Jacob and Margaret Weirick. After their marriage Mr.
and Mrs. Ford settled on a farm a mile north of Mount Pleasant in
Clay Township, and in that locality spent eighteen or twenty years,
then coming to Franklin Township and locating on the Jacob Weir-
ick farm. Callender Ford died here in 1900.
Mrs. Ford's father, Jacob Weirick, was born in Union County,
Pennsylvania, in 1811, a son of George and Elizabeth (Frederick)
Weirick. George Weirick was born in Union County, Pennsylvania,
July 15, 1773, and his wife was born January 24, 1780. They mar-
ried in 1801. Elizabeth Weirick died in 1816, the mother of seven
children, including Jacob. The latter 's father married again and
had twelve children. George Weirick died September 25, 1838.
Jacob Weirick grew up in Pennsylvania and in 1843 took his
family to Richland County, Ohio, and in 1854 came to Franklin
Township of Kosciusko County and bought 520 acres of land from
Washington Bybee. That large farm he extensively improved and
increased its area until he had over 1,000 acres, and the Weirick
place, now divided into several farms, has long been one of the
landmarks of progressive agriculture and improvement in the south-
422 HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY
west cornel" of the county. Jacob Weirick erected the second brick
residence in the township in 1861. He was a man very much inter-
ested in educational and religious affairs, and from 1834 to 1864
he had taught school, pursuing that occupation in addition to his
varied interests as a farmer and land owner. In Union County,
Pennsylvania, September 2, 1841, Jacob "Weirick married Margaret
Smith, daughter of Leonard and Susannah (Brifogle) Smith. They
were the parents of eight children: Susannah, Mars-, ilatilda,
Amanda, Harriet, Emeline. Isabella and Florence. The first was
born in Pennsylvania, the next four, including Mrs. Ford, were
born in Ohio, and the la.st three in Indiana. They were all daugh-
ters, so that the male line of the Weirick family in this branch ended
with Jacob "Weirick. However, there are a number of grandsons and
great-grandchildren of this honored pioneer and noble citizen of Kos-
ciusko Coiinty.
One of the grandsons of Jacob "Weirick and of the pioneer Henry
Ford is Henry Ford, who for a number of years has managed the
home of his mother in Franklin Township. He was born in Clay
Township, May 19. 1877, son of Callender and IMary ("Weirick) Ford.
He received a common school education and also attended the North-
ern Indiana Normal School at "^''alparaiso for thirty weeks. He had
some idea of preparing for a profession, but came home instead and
took charge of his mother's farm, and has suceessfullj^ managed it
ever since. He is an active member of Mentone Lodge No. 576, An-
cient Free and Accepted Masons, is a republican voter, but has cared
little for the honors of politics. His mother is a hiember of the
Methodist Episcopal Church and is affiliated with the Order of the
Eastern Star As a family they own 320 acres of rich and produc-
tive land in Franklin and Wayne Townships, and other property
elsewhere, ilrs. Ford is a stockholder in the Lake City Bank at
Warsaw, and also owns some of the bonds of the Goshen Division
of the Interurban Railway.
Frank Funk. One of the oldest farms in Prairie Township is
that occupied by Mr. Frank Funk, who has spent most of his life
in that township. His home is seven miles northwest of Warsaw,
and besides the farm he is well known as a business man at Atwood.
Mr. Fimk was born at Goshen, Indiana, March 3, 1852, son of
Fred and Elizabeth (Bower) Funk. His grandparents were Fred-
erick and Elizabeth (Darr) Funk. Fred Funk was born in Piqua
County, Ohio, May 10, 1820. and was fourteen years of age when,
in 1834, his parents pioneered to Northern Indiana and settled in
Elkhart County. He grew up there, and on January 2, 1844. in
Turkey Creek County of Kosciusko County, married Miss Eliza-
beth Bower. She was born in Richland County, Ohio, July 13,
1823. After their marriage they lived near Syracuse, and on sell-
ing their property there moved to Goshen, where Mr. Fred Funk
was in the livery business a short time. Returning to Turkey Creek
Township, he developed a good farm, and finally sold that property
and moved to Leesburg. In 1861 he established his home in Prairie
HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY 42:]
Towniship, and in that locality both he and his wife lived out their
years. He died September 4, 1904, and his wife September 14, 1905.
Their children were six in number, two of whom died in infancy.
Clifford, who was born April 1, 1856, died April 21, 1877. Thomas,
born February 13, 1858, died July 24, 1917, leaving: a widow, Re-
becca (Harshner) Funk, but no children. Eliza J. Funk, who was
born February 6, 1849, and her brother Franklin are now the only
surviving members of the family, and both reside on the old home-
stead. They were educated in the district schools and own some of
the valuable property of Pi-airie Township. They have joint owner-
ship of seventy acres, included in the old homestead, while Miss Funk
owns in her own right 140 acres and Frank Funk has 120 acres near
Atwood. Mr. Funk also operates a warehouse on his farm one mile
from Atwood, and is an extensive buyer of hides, wool and junk.
Mes. Mary C. Stout owns and occupies the old farm on which
she spent her girlhood and also the years of her companionship with
her late husband, William Stout. Mrs. Stout is mother of some noble
sons and a daughter, and is one of the women properly considered in
a work of this nature.
She was born on the fann where she now lives October 12, 1858,
daughter of Moses and Jane A. (Sands) Loop. Her father was born
in Wooster, Ohio, and her mother in Pennsylvania. They were mar-
ried in Ohio and were early settlers in Kosciusko County, where they
took a tract of land in the woods, cleared it up and improved it, and
made it the farm which it is today. Moses Loop died December 2,
1891. and his wife on April 24, 1888.
Mary C. Loop grew up in the home of her parents, and on March
5, 1882, she became the wife of William Stout. He was just a year
older than his bride, having been born in Paulding County, Ohio,
June 13, 1857, son of Christian and Sarah (Haas) Stout. Chris-
tian Stout brought his family to Indiana in 1864, locating on a farm
on Eel River, where his wife died the following year. Three years
later Christian Stout came to Kosciusko County, married a second
wife, and for many years lived in Seward Township. It was in the
vicinity of Laketon in Wabash County that William Stout spent
part of his boyhood, and came to manhood in Seward Township in
this county. After his marriage he located on the old Loop farm and
was its capable manager until his death April 7, 1903. He was one
of the highly esteemed citizens of the count.y and a man of good
business judgment and capable in all his relations with his fellow men.
He voted as a democrat and at one time served as a member of the
advisory board.
Mrs. Stout's four children are noted briefly as follows: Elsie,
the only daughter, married Loren Yocnm, and is living near Etna
Green, Indiana. The son, Robert R., is a graduate of the common
schools and lives in Seward Township. He married Hazel Wyn-
coop. Walter M., the second son, is a graduate of the local high
school, of Indiana University with the degrees of A. B. and A. M.
and also received the Doctor of Medicine degree from the State LTni-
424 HISTOEY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY
versity. He is now sei-\'ing iu the iledieal Reserve Corps with the
rank of captain at Fort Riley, Kansas. The youngest of the family,
Wilbur C. Stout, is a graduate of the high school at Silver Lake and
has assumed most of the responsibilities in managing the home farm
for his mother. This farm comprises 300 acres, and is regarded as
one of the most valuable individual estates in Seward Township.
Wilbur C. Stout married Pearl E. Minear. Mrs. Stout also has three
grandchildren.
Horace G. Thomas is a prosperous farmer in Franklin Town-
sliip, and his home place, devoted to grain and stock raising, com-
prises 1151A acres in section 31, a mile or so west of Beaver Dam
Lake.
Mr. Thomas was born near Pendleton in Madison County, Indi-
ana, August 5, 1863, a sou of Abner and Margaret (Cateran) Thomas,
the former a native of Ohio and the latter of Pennsylvania. The I'e-
speetive families came to Indiana and located in Madison County
near the old town of Pendleton, where Abner and ilargaret grew up
and married. They settled on a farm near there, but in 1863, soon
after the birth of their son Horace, moved to Franklin Township
of Kosciusko County and established their home on a farm in sec-
tion 6. The father died here in 1881 and the mother in 1880. They
were members of the Church of the Winbernarian, and he was a Past
Noble Grand of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, was an
active republican, and at one time filled the office of justice of the
peace. He and his wife had five children : Edwai-d E.. of Fort
Wayne, Indiana ; Horace G. ; William C, of Chicago ; Mary, wife of
Thad K. Martin, living in Ohio; while the fifth and youngest child
died in infancy.
Horace G. Thomas grew up on a farm near Beaver Dam and at-
tended the local schools. At the death of his parents he was thrown
upon his own resources and was still under age. He worked for a
time on the farm of John C. ileredith and later for Albert L. Tucker,
and during a number of hard years of work for others gained the
experience and the reputation for ability which constituted his best
capital when he started for himself.
In December, 1890. "Sir. Thomas married Miss Philana Petry.
She was born on the farm where she is now living and was educated
in the common schools. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas have steadily gone
ahead toward better circumstances, and have now equipped their
farm until it ranks high in the productive scale, and constitutes one
of the enviable country homes of the county. Both Mr. and Mrs.
Thomas are active members of the United Brethren Church at Bea-
ver Dam, and he serves as a church trustee. In politics he is a re-
publican and has been a member of the township advisory board.
They have had three children. Charles H.. died after reaching
his majority and when a most promising career was open to him :
MarA' E., attended the Akron High School and is the wife of Merle
Tucker ; Olga M., is a graduate of the Beaver Dam High School, lives
at home and is a teacher in the local schools.
HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY 42r>
Clarence A. Helvey is a careful and enterprising farmer in
Jackson Township four miles northeast of North Manchester, and
represents an old and well-known name in that township and also
over the Wabash County line in Chester Township.
He was born in the latter township of Wabash County February
24, 1881, a son of Champion S. and Lillian (Enyeart) Helvey. Both
parents were born in Chester Township, Champion Helvey in 1854.
The name Helvey occurs as frequently as that of any other family in
connection with the pioneer settlement of Wabash County. There
were several brothers of the name, Champion, Richard and others,
who pioneered into that locality during the sixties.
Champion Helvey and wife still live on their farm in Chester
Township. Thej^ are active members of the United Brethren Church
and he is a republican. Of the nine children eight are still living:
Mrs. Nora Perry ; Clarence A. ; Maude, wife of Clarence Hector, of
Montana; Sarah, wife of Winfield Parker, living in North Dakota;
John R., who is with the United States Army at Camp Taylor, Ken-
tucky ; Laura; Cuba; at home with her parents; Russell in the United
States Navy.
Clarence Helvey is a member of the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows and a republican in politics. On his farm in Jackson Town-
,ship he is breeding Shorthorn cattle, but divides his efforts among the
general branches of farming.
Charles E. Leedy, M. D. Representing one of the oldest and
most honored names in Kosciusko County, Dr. Charles E. Leedy has
spent his life here and for twenty years has served an increasing
number of the community in and ai'ound Pierceton as a physician
and surgeon.
Doctor Leedy was born on a farm a mile and a half north of
Pierceton February 11, 1870, a sou of Ephraim and Sarah (Devenny)
Leed3'. Both parents were natives of the State of Ohio and came
to Kosciusko County when young with their respective families. After
their marriage thej' settled on a fanu southwest of Pierceton and
Ephraim Leedy was for manj- years one of the men whose names
were most intimately and familiarly associated with progressive things
in agricultural achievements. He and his wife became the parents
of five children : Dr. Charles E. ; Edwin, who is general immigration
agent for the Great Northern Railway ; Dela, wife of Arthur Munson ;
Chester A., a fruit rancher in Washington ; and Josie M., deceased.
Doctor Leedy spent his boyhood days on a farm near Pierceton,
attended the local schools and high school, and prepared for work as
a teacher by attending the normal school at Valparaiso. After four
years of work as a teacher in his home county, he took up the study of
medicine in the Detroit Medical College, from which he was grad-
uated M. D. May 4, 1897. Since that date he has been one of the
hard working physicians at Pierceton, and more and more his abili-
ties have come to be appreciated and his service broadened over the
surrounding countrj-. Doctor Leedy has seiwed as president of the
426 HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY
Kosciusko County Medical Society, and has always kept in close
touch with professional affairs.
Besides the business of his profession he might also be classed as
a practical farmer and stock raiser. He owns 120 acres of land and
has given much attention to the breeding and raising of high grade
Shorthorn cattle. Doctor Leedy married in 1897 Clara Moody, who
was born in New York state, but has lived in Kosciusko County since
early girlhood. Dr. and Mrs. Leedy are members of the Methodist
Episcopal Church. In Masonry he is affiliated with the lodge at
Pierceton, with the Chapter, Council and Commandery at Warsaw,
and with the Scottish Rite at Fort "Wayne. He is also a Past Grand
in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, a member of the Knights
of Pythias, and in politics casts his vote as a democrat.
Sabin V. RoBisoN. One of the most capable farmers and citi-
zens of Tippecanoe Township is Sabin V. Robison, who has earned
the respect and esteem of his fellow men.
He was born in the township May 16, 1863, son of Vincent and
Joanna (Gordon) Robison. Both parents were natives of Perry
County, Pennsylvania, the father born in 1800 and the mother on
June 29, 1825. The Gordons were a prominent family of pioneers in
Northeastern Indiana. Joanna Gordon was a daughter of Thomas D.
and Elizabeth (Bull) Gordon, the former born October 6, 1788. and
the latter on March 31, 1788. They came west and settled in Sugar
Creek Township of Wayne County, Indiana, where her father was a
cabinet maker. In 1833 he moved to Kosciusko County and spent
the rest of his days here.
Sabin V. Robison is the only living child of his parents. He at-
tended public schools and also took a commercial course. Mr. Robison
married Lulu E. Brenneman, who was born in Whitley County,
Indiana, May 2, 1864. After his marriage he lived on a farm a couple
of years, then conducted a store at North Webster four years, and
in 1893 went on the road as a traveling salesman and general agent
for the Piano Harvester Works. He was with that firm until 1897,
when he joined the Deering Harvester Company, and in 1902 was
appointed manager of that company at Elmira, New York, where he
remained three years. He was then with the Eastern Roek Island
Plow Company until Januaiy, 1913, and was two years in the hard-
ware business at Leesburg, Indiana. He has since settled down to
farming.
Mrs. Robison is a daughter of Abraham and Jane (North) Bren-
neman. Her father was bom in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, and
her mother in Champaign County, Ohio. After their marriage in
Ohio they moved to Whitley County, Indiana, and settled near South
Whitley, and about 1873 locnted near Oswego in Kosciusko County,
where they died. Mr. and Mrs. Robison are the parents of four chil-
dren, two of whom are deceased. The living are Rolland, who is in
the hardware business at Leesburg, and Garland, who is married and
resides at home, but is now in a training camp of the United States
army.
HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY 427
August C. Cain is one of the prospering and progressive fanner
citizens of Etna Township, and his intensively cultivated farm of
forty acres 5^ miles northeast of Etna Green is known as the Clover
Leaf Farm.
Mr. Cain was born at Tippecanoe County, Indiana, January 10,
1881, a son of "William and Mary (Miller) Cain. His parents were both
born at Michigan City, Indiana, his father June 22, 1856, and his
mother in September, 1860. Both are still living, and their family
of children are as follows : Christ Cain of Scott Township ; August
C. ; William of Kosciusko County ; Lydia, deceased ; Edward ; Ben-
jamin H. ; Martha, deceased ; Sylvia, wife of T. Growcock ; James, who
lives in Denver, Indiana, and Anna, unmarried and at home with
her parents.
August C. Cain grew up on a farm and had a common school
education, supplemented by one year in the high school. March 2,
•1907, he married Miss Maude Huffman. For the past ten years
they have been working steadily to the improvement of their condi-
tions, acquired the nucleus of a good farm, and have a long vista of
prosperous and useful years ahead of them. Mr. and Mrs. Cain live
in a new modem home and are highly esteemed in their community.
They are members of the Church of God, and Mr. Cain is a republi-
can and a member of the Horse Thief Detective Association. For
three years he served in the National Guard at Monticello, Indiana,
Company A, Third Indiana Regiment.
George A. Walters has that degree of material prosperity rep-
resented by the ownership of a good farm of 120 acres, and this pro-
prietorship is the more significant of his thrift and industry when it
is stated that he made the farm altogether as the result of his efforts,
and taking the land in the woods cleared away year after year an
additional space for cultivation and has put every improvement upon
the land which enhances its value.
The Walters family reside at the farm three and a half miles west
and half a mile south of Claypool on Rural Route No. 1, in Seward
Township. Mr. Walters was born in Knox County, Ohio, January
29, 1864, a son of Edward and Hannah (Dean) Walters. The family
came to Kosciusko County in 1874 and located on a farm in Seward
Township. The parents died here. They had seven sons : Abe, Levi,
Joseph, William, Isaac, George and Albert.
George A. Walters was ten years old when he came to Kosciusko
County. His early education begun in Ohio, was continued in the
local schools here, and he was at home up to the age of nineteen.
When Mr. Walters left home his material possessions consisted of
a single dollar and some clothing wrapped up in a newspaper. Fur-
ther than that he had his experience in various kinds of farm work,
and he put this experience to test by hiring out to other farmers at
wages of $14 or $15 a month. For seven years he labored for others,
and the savings from his work he invested in twenty-three acres of
land. That was his first purchase, and about that time he married,
and thirty years have sufficed to give him his present farm and all its
428 HISTOKY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY
improvements, and at the same time he has provided a good home and
reared his children to lives of usefulness and honor.
August 18, 1888, Mr. Walters married Miss Susanna Adams. Their
children are : Mertie M., wife of Harry Taylor ; Harley G., who mar-
ried Nerley Hinsey; Artie, who married Ella Engle; and Roy, who
is still at home. Mr. Waltei-s is a republican voter.
Freeman E. Cbipe is an Indiana man by birth and training, grew
up on a farm, and has found increasing .scope for his usefulness and
service with the passing years. He is the leading doctor of veterinarj-
surgery in Jackson Township, and combines his large practice with
the operation of a farm M-here he resides two miles east of Sidney.
Doctor Cripe was born in Carroll County, Indiana, September 4,
1885, a son of Chris and Barbara (Wagoner) Cripe. His father was
bom in Carroll County on the same farm where he now lives. The
mother was a native of Tippecanoe County. They have spent their
married lives in Carroll County and are active members of the
Church of the Brethren, and in polities the father is a republican.
The.v had five children: Dr. Earl J., who is now in training camp
in the medical service of the United States Army ; Curtis E., a farmer
in Wabash County; Dr. Freeman E.; Claude, a farmer in Carroll
County ; and Floyd, who is in the army at Camp Taylor, Kentucky.
Freeman E. Cripe grew up on a farm, and early evinced that
fondness for animals and their care which was the basis of his pro-
fessional interests. He was educated in the common schools, also in
the North Manchester College, and from there entered the Veterinary
College at Indianapolis, from which he gi-aduated in 1911 with the
degi-ee D. V. M. He practiced about a year at Nappanee, Indiana,
but in August, 1912, came to Sidney, and in connection with his
profession operates a large stock farm of 160 acres two miles east of
that town.
August 4, 1912, Doctor Cripe married Miss Nora Ross, member of
one of the oldest and most prominent families in this part of Kos-
ciusko Count.v. She was educated in the common schools and took
musical instruction at the Nortli ^Manchester College. They have one
daughter, Helen, born June 5, 1915. Dr. and Mrs. Cripe are mem-
bers of the Church of the Brethren.
Robert Ross, father of Mrs. Cripe, is now living retired at Kinsey
in Jackson Township. He was born in Clarke County, Ohio, Decem-
ber 17, 1843, a son of George and Hannah (Heckman) Ross. His
father was born in Virginia in April, 1815, in early manhood moved
to Clarke Count.v, Ohio, where he married, and after his marriage
settled in Clarke County, then spent two years in Shelby County,
Ohio, then again rented a fami two yeare in Clarke County, and in
September, 1849, brought his family to Kosciusko County. He had
come to Jackson Township in the fall of 1848, secured land and erected
a hewed log cabin in the woods. To this little home he introduced
his family, and on that fami he spent the rest of his life. He was
a man of very sturdy mold, active, energetic, acquired about 560
acres of land, and was also a force in the moral uplift of that part
HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY 42il
of the county. He always voted as a republican after the organiza-
tion of that party. In his family were two sons and four daughters,
the daughtei-s being now deceased, while the sons, Robert and John
Ross, are both residents of Jackson To^vnship.
Robert Ross was about six years old when brought to Jackson
Township, and he spent part of his early life in the log cabin home of
his father and attended the nearby district schools at Sidney. On De-
cember 31, 1868, he married Susan Snell. The name Snell is also
associated in the pioneer settlement of this section of Kosciusko
County. Susan Snell was born in Jackson Township June 6, 1848,
daughter of John and Magdalena (Brewer) Snell. Her father was
born in Augusta County, Virginia, in 1809, and her mother in Rock-
ingham Comity in the same state in 1812. After their marriage in
Virginia they moved to Ohio in 1830, settling in Preble County, and
while there six children were born to them. In 1844 the Snell family
came to Kosciusko County, and here John and Magdalene spent their
last years. Of their family of eleven children four are still living:
Susan Ross ; John, of Wabash County ; Samuel, who lives in Ohio ;
and Catherine, wife of Reuben Frantz, of North Manchester.
Robert Ross after his marriage located on his farm, and that was
his home and the scene of his activities as a prosperous farmer for
forty-four years, operating 289 acres. AVhen he retired he moved to
the Village of Kinsey. He is a republican. He and his wife had four
children: Alonzo, a farmer in Jackson township; Amos W., a grad-
uate of Nortli Manchester College and of Mount Montis College in
Illinois, now ser-vnng as a missionary in India ; Elmer C, a farmer in
Jackfion Township ; and Nora, Mrs. Cripe. Robert Ross is a member
of the Church of the Brethren and one of its deacons.
Calvin 0. Ketrow, of Jackgnn Township, has had a most inter-
esting range of experience during his life. He had to shift for him-
self from an early age, but in spite of handicaps and disadvantages
secured a liberal education, and has been a farmer, a public official, a
salesman, and has satisfactorily solved practically all the problems
of life as they have presented themselves. He now owns and occiipies
one of the good farms in Jackson Township, south of Sidney, and is
cariying his share of public responsibilities in the office of township
tnistee.
Mr. Ketrow was bom in Montgomery County, Ohio, January 20,
1865, son of Allen and Susanna (Ramsey) Ketrow. His parents
were natives of the same county and state. The father died in 1868,
when Calvin was only three yeai's old. In 1869 he was sent to live
with a famil.v named Bond, and their home was near Mexico in Miami
County, Indiana. It was in that vicinity that he first attended .school,
and he grew up practically among strangers. His ambition led him
to acquire a better education than could be furnished by the common
schools, and he attended the State Nonnal and passed a successful
examination for a teacher's license in Whitley County. Instead of
taking up teaching, he went to work on a farm in Whitley County,
and in 188.5 married Miss Nellie M. Warner, of Kosciusko County.
430 HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY
For a time he was engaged in the live stock and butchei- business at
South "Whitley, spent one year in Pierceton, rented a farm and em-
ployed himself in different ways as a means of making a living and
getting a real start in life. Finally he bought a farm, and for a num-
ber of years has given close and skillful cultivation to his land.
Mr. and Mrs. Ketrow have one son, Ernest E., born in 1886. He
is a graduate of the common schools and is now a machinist in the
foundry shop of the American Can Company at Detroit, ^Michigan.
Mr. Ketrow was a deacon in the Church of the Brethren, in affil-
iated with Sidney Lodge No. 579, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons,
also with the Royal Arch Chapter at Noi'th Manchester, and is a
member of the Modern Woodmen of America. Since early manhood
he has given his enthusiastic support to the republican party and its
principles. He has worked for the good of the community and has
received several important honors at the hands of his fellow citizens.
During the legislative session of 1901 he served as journal clerk in
the House. When the office of tru.stee in Jackson Township became va-
cant through the resignation of James Thompson, Mr. Ketrow was
appointed his successor in November, 1914, and filled out the unex-
pired term ending in January, 1919. He has used this opportunity
to render some effective service in looking after the best interests of
the local schools, and is one of the best qualified men who ever occu-
pied the trusteeship in that township.
Loyal W. Dome is upholding his end of farm enterprise in Jack-
son Township, is a citizen whose public spirit is appreciated in that
community, and at the request of his friends he recently became a
candidate for township trustee on the democratic ticket. Mr. Dome's
farm is three-quarters of a mile north of Sidney.
The Dome family has been in Kosciusko County for over sixty-
five years. His grandfather, Isaac C. Dome, was born in Elkhart
County, Indiana, April 10, 1832. Isaac's grandfather died in In-
diana, so that this state has had at least five generations of the Dome
family among its residents. Isaac Dome went to California in 1850
with his father, traveling overland, and they had many adventures
and experienced much of the excitement and hardship of California
life. Isaac Dome returned home in the spring of 1852, bringing with
him less than a thousand dollars, representing the profit of his expe-
rience in the west. A few weeks later he bought forty acres of land
in Wayne Township of Kosciusko County, built a log cabin, and on
December 18, 1853, married Mary J. Huff, who was born in Mercer
County, Pennsylvania, July 18, 1835. Isaac Dome moved out to Mis-
souri in 1865, but remained there only a short time and then returned
to Kosciusko County and settled in Monroe Township. His first
wife died in this county, and her only son was George W. Dome.
George W. Dome was born in this county February 19, 1856,
grew up here, and married Miss Ada Messmore. She was born in
Kosciusko County December 17, 1856, and died in October, 1896.
After their man-iage they settled on a farm in Jackson Township,
but later removed to Warsaw, where George W. Dome is serving as
HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY 431
street commissioner. He is an active member of the Christian
Church. He and his wife had two children, Chalmer R., a resident of
"Warsaw, and Loyal W.
Loyal W. Dome was born in Jackson Township December 30, 1882,
and has spent most of his life in that community. He was educated
in the common schools, also attended high school, and for five years
did splendid work as a teacher.
August 9, 1908, he married Miss Frances Palmer, daughter of Mr.
O. Palmer of Sidney. Mrs. Dome is a graduate of the Warsaw High
School. They have three children : Geneva, born in 1912 ; Irene,
born in 1914; and Harold, born in 1916. Mi-, and Mrs. Dome are
active members of the Christian Church of Sidney. Be is a democrat
in politics. His farm near Sidne.y comprises sixty-one acres, and is
used both as a grain and a stock farm.
Henry L. Oldfather. In the thirty odd years Henry L. Old-
father has had his home in Kosciusko County the people have come
to esteem and appreciate his sterling type of citizenship, the quality
of liis business enterprise and the kindly and helpful attitude he has
taken toward all matters of community welfare. Mr. Oldfather con-
siders himself a retired farmer, but still lives in his fine country
home a mile west of Silver Lake, and in many ways is as keenly ener-
getic and active in affairs today as he was twenty years ago.
He was born in "Wabash County, Indiana, May 24, 1852, son of
Adam and Caroline (Borgher) Oldfather. Mr. Oldfather takes ap-
propriate pride in the fact that his family has been in America for
more than a century and a half. It was in 1769, six years before
the outbreak of the American Revolution, that several of their fam-
ily left their native city of Berlin, and after six months on the ocean,
landed at Baltimore They made settlement in Bedford County,
Pennsylvania, where they laid out a town named Berlin, in honor of
their home city. One of the family, Frederick Oldfather, was the
first elder of the First Reformed Church in that part of Pennsyl-
vania. The grandfather of Henry L. Oldfather was Henry Old-
father, a son of this Frederick. This accounts for four generations
of the family in this country. Henry Oldfather emigrated with his
family to Montgomery County, Ohio, in the year 1811, and was for
many years identified with sawmilling and also operated flour mills.
Adam Oldfather was horn near Farmersville, Ohio, and coming
to Indiana in 1841, located in Wabash County. He and his wife,
Caroline Borgher, were the parents of eight children, namely; Su-
san, widow of Andrew Knoop, lives in Claypool, Indiana ; Sarah C,
who is the only one of the children not now living; Samuel T., a
retired poultry dealer, who lives at North Manchester; Mary E.,
wife of George Leffel, of North Manchester ; Henry L. ; Melissa J.,
wife of Thomas A. Joutz, of Seward Township, this county; John
F., a resident of Silver Lake ; Irene B., wife of J. E. Byer, of Roches-
ter, Indiana.
Henry L. Oldfather grew up on his father's farm in Wabash
County and made the best possible use of his advantages in the dis-
432 HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY
triet schools. At the age of seventeen he began teaching, and for
five years was identified with school work in Kosciusko County. He
then took up farming, and has been a prominent resident of Kosciusko
County .since 1878. 'Sir. Oldfather married Flotilla Loop, of Kos-
ciusko County, where she was born and reared. Her father was
Moses C. Loop. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Oldfather located
on a farm, and since 1900 have lived at his pleasant country place
near Silver Lake, where he has a fine improved farm of 200 acres.
For five years he was also engaged in the livestock business, and for
nineteen years he was secretary of the County Insurance Company
and was general manager of the People's Mutual Telephone Com-
pany of Silver Lake until he sold his interest April 1, 1915. Every
undertaking which he has touched has prospered, and he has the
deserved reputation in the county of being one of its most able
business men. Mr. Oldfather has also been a strong party man in
the republican faith, and is a past chancellor of Lake View Lodge
of Knights of Pythias at Silver Lake. ]Many of his friends know
Mr. Oldfather as a clever wi-iter of verse, and he has celebrated
many of his experiences and many local incidents in verse forms that
have been published and widely read.
Mr. and Mrs. Oldfather are the parents of one daughter, Iva,
who was born Februaiy 14, 1879. She is now the wife of former
state representative Harry W. Kline of Silver Lake. Mr. Kline is
one of the leading farmers of that community. Mr. and Mrs. Kline
have two children: Marcus H., a student in high school, and Vein-
chon, still in the grade schools.
John F. Mitterling. One of the good homes and one of the
productive farms of Kosciusko County lies a half mile east of Dutch-
town in Tippecanoe Township, the home and scene of activities of
the Mitterling family, including Mr. John F. Mitterling.
The latter was born in Noble County February 25, 1867, son of
John and Susanna (Shadow) Mitterling. Both parents were natives
of Pennsylvania. His father was born in Juniata Countv Septem-
ber 16, 1831, and died March 16, 1902. The mother was bom De-
cember 17, 1830. They grew up in their native state and were
married January 20, 1852, and in 1854 came west and settled in
Noble County, Indiana. Their home was near Savilla until 1874,
when they bought the farm where John F. Mitterling now lives in
Kosciusko County. The parents were members of the German Bap-
tist Church and were verv active and liberal in their support. Of
their seven children five are still living: Jane, wife of John Stone-
burner of Plain Township ; Michael, deceased, who married Sarah
Moerzy; Joseph, who married Julia A. Hays and lives at Warsaw:
Samuel, who married Elizabeth J. Plew and lives in Wayne Town-
ship of this county; John F., and Emeline C. 0., wife of Isaac Ran-
dall.
John F. Jlitterling was seven years old when brought to the
farm where he has since lived, where he was trained to industrious
habits, and where he has made a successful career as a farmer. His
HISTOKY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY 438
education was acquired in the district schools, limited to attendance
during the winter terms, while the summer was spent in the work of
the fields. Harry S. Randall, a nephew of Mr. Mitterling, married
Grace L. Tenny, and they have two children, John and Audry.
Mr. Mitterling is affiliated with Warsaw Lodge of the Improved
Order of Red Men, and is a past sachem of that order. He is also
a member of the Moose lodge, and Harry Randall is affiliated with
the same order. In politics Mr. Mitterling is a republican. One hun-
dred twenty acres constitute the Mitterling homestead, and it is the
home of some of the good livestock raised in this township.
John S. Judd. Five miles northwest of Akron in Franklin Town-
ship is a farm that has been under the ownership of the Judd family
raore than forty years, and is now the home and scene of the progres-
sive activities of John S. Judd, who was bom in the same locality
and has lived there practically all his life.
He was born Jlarch 6, 1879, a son of T. R. and Lucinda (Mickey)
Judd. T. R. Judd was brought by his parents to Franklin Township
when a boy, grew to maturity there, and after his marriage settled
on the place now owned by his son John. Later he moved to Akron,
where his first wife died in 1904. He maiTied again, and his second
wife is also deceased. He is now living in Franklin Township. There
were eight children, five still living : Etta, wife of Elmer Bybee, of
Fulton County ; Eliza, wife of J. J. Smith, of Elkhart, Indiana ; John
S. ; Lola, wife of C. C. Betters, of Elkhart; Howard, who is serving
with the colors in France; Emma, Charles and another child died
in infancy.
John S. Judd grew up on the old fann, was educated in the dis-
trict schools, and gave his time and labor to the home farm until
twenty-one. On July 25, 1901, he married Mi.ss Myrtle Clifton. She
was bom in Fulton County and is a graduate of tlie common schools.
They have two sons: Thomas C, born September 4, 1903, who has
completed the work of the district schools; and Charles W., born
January 12, 1906, still a student.
The family are members of the United Brethren Church at Beaver
Dam, and Mr. Judd is superintendent of its Sunday school. In poli-
ties he is a republican.
Charles W. Ross. The Crown Hill Stock Farm, a mile east of
Sidney in Jackson Township, of which Charles W. Ross is proprie-
tor, is one of the centers of animal husbandry in Kosciusko County
that attracts favorable notice and attention from many outside com-
munities. The stock farm has as its chief asset a fine 'herd of Short-
horn cattle, the herd being headed by Sultan's Defender. Mr. Ross
IS also handling some Percheron horses, and has the well known
Gazin, son of Juiy, son of Camot No. 66666. Other high grade
live stock on the farm are some Dorset sheep and Duroc hogs.
Mr. Ross was born in section 35 of Jackson Township April 1,
1884. He is a son of John and Jane (Stout) Ross, the former a na-
tive of Ohio and the latter of Whitley County, Indiana. They have
434 HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY
four children : Albert, of Jackson Township ; Cora, wife of A. B.
Uirey, of Jackson Township ; Eva, wife of Milton Miller ; and
Charles W.
Charles W. Ross grew up on a farm in Jackson Township, and
from the age of sixteen has looked after his own welfare. He secured
a better than ordinary education, attending the common schools and
also the college at North Manchester, where he pursued a commer-
cial course and later was a student in a commercial college at Indian-
apolis. For a time he was employed in an insurance ofBce and whole-
sale house at Indianapolis, and finally secured the equipment and the
land for independent farming. The Crown Hill Farm comprises
121.62 acres.
December 10, 1904, Mr. Ross married Miss Minnie M. Priser.
She was born in Monroe To^^^lship of this county May 31, 1883,
daughter of John Priser. After their marriage ]\Ir. and Mrs. Ross
lived in Monroe Township a year and a half, and in 1906 came to their
present home in Jackson Town.ship. ^Mr. Ross is a republican and
is one of the sterling and public spirited citizens of his community.
Ctkus B. De.vton is one of the fortunate men who own good
farms in Kosciusko County, and his place, representing all the mod-
ern improvements and comforts, is in section 9 of Lake Township, two
miles east and one mile south of Silver Lake.
]\Ir. Deaton has achieved a worthy success in his career and his
family name is of social interest in Kosciusko County. His father
was George W. Deaton, a native of Clarke County, Ohio, son of "Wil-
liam Deaton. "William Deaton owned a sawmill in Ohio and George
"W. learned the milling trade there. IMarch 9, 1856, George "W. Dea-
ton married iliss Frances C. Fortney, daughter of Jacob and Ann
(Knoops) Fortney. In March, 1863, the Deaton family came to
Kosciusko County, settling in Clay Township. George "W. Deaton
was a successful farmer and was also well known because of his po-
litical and civic activities. He was a stanch republican and was an
eloquent speaker in advocating his position and principles. He had
the distinction of being the first republican elected to the office of
trustee in Clay Township. He was also a charter member of the
Grange at Claypool and an active member of the ^Methodist Episco-
pal Church. George "W. Deaton and wife had the following children :
William S.. Jacob 0.. Mary B., John E., Samuel S.. Ulysses S., Cjtus
B. and Charles G. The first four children were bom in Ohio and the
others in Clay Township of Kosciusko County.
C.vrus B. Deaton was born on his father's farm a mile and a quar-
ter east of Claypool in Clay Township, July 29, 1869, and was the
fifth son of the family. He grew up with his widowed mother, as-
sisted in the work of the farm, and graduated from the common
schools. He continued at home, a factor in the management of the
old place, until the age of twenty-four. September 30, 1893, he
married Miss May A. Ball. She was born in Ko.seiusko Countv July
12, 1873.
After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Deaton spent about seven
HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY 435
years at the Deaton home, and farmed in Clay Township until 1903,
when he came to his present place. Besides the activities of the farm
Mr. Deaton is a director in the Commercial Bank at Silver Lake. He
is much interested in local affairs, is a republican, as was his father,
and for a number of years has served as a member of the County
Central Committee. He has a well improved farm of seventy-eight
acres. Mr. and Mrs. Deaton have two children : Ross M., born De-
cember 12, 1895, a graduate of the common schools and still at home ;
and Hazel W., born June 9, 1900, a student in the Silver Lake
High School. The family are members of the United Brethren
Church at Silver Lake, and Mr. Deaton is one of the church trustees,
and for a number of years has given strong support to both church
and Sunday school activities. He is Past Noble Grand of Silver Lake
Lodge No. 576, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and is a member
of the Grand Lodge.
C. F. White has spent a busy and industrious life in the south-
west corner of Kosciusko County or over the line in Fulton County,
has made what he has by his enterprise and resourcefulness, and is
owner of a splendid farm of 120 acres in Franklin Township.
He was born in Fulton County April 17, 1867, a son of Peter and
Sarah A. (Prill) White. His father was a native of Summit County,
Ohio, and his mother of Carroll County, Indiana. They married in
Fulton County, and then settled on a farm. Their first place was
twenty-one acres, and that tract of land was in the family ownership
for fifty-one years. Peter White and wife had seven children, and
the six still living are : Alfretta, wife of John Whaley ; Margaret,
wife of William McEntire; C. F. ; John and William, twins; and
George, who also lives in Franklin Township.
C. F. White grew up in Fulton County and lived at home until he
was twenty-one years of age, when he started out to make his own
way in the world. July 20, 1893, he married Florence Ballenger. She
was bom in Franklin Township December 26, 1869, and grew up on a
farm and was educated in the local schools.
After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. White settled on a farm in
Franklin Township, and they have made their present prosperity
during the past twenty-five j-ears. Mr. and J\h-s. White are members
of the Church of God and in politics he is a republican. They have
three manly and enterprising young sons: Andrew, born November
27, 1895, who married Mertie Wilcox on November 20, 1917 ; Charles
E., horn September 4, 1897; and Fletcher E., born September 18,
1899.
Rev. Amos Freed is a well known minister of the Church of the
Brethren, and performs his duties as a minister in addition to look-
ing after one of the good farms of Jackson Township. His farm
home is two miles south and a half mile east of Packerton.
Mr. Freed was bom in Hancock County, Ohio, May 22, 1861,
a son of Peter and Polly (Ream) Freed. His father was a native of
Pennsylvania, while his mother was born in Stark County, Ohio.
436 HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY
They married and spent their lives in Ohio. Peter Freed was a
farmer and also a minister of the Brethren Church. He was twice
married and had three children by his first wife, one of whom is
living, Elizabeth, better known as "Betsy." He had twelve by the
second wife, and those still living are : Ami, of ]\Ionticello, Indiana ;
Amos; Henry, of Hancock County, Ohio; Neri, of Hancock County;
and Ella, also of Hancock County.
Amos Freed grew up in Ohio and lived in that state until 1890,
when he moved to Indiana and established his home in White Count}'.
He was a farmer there twelve ,yeai-s, and in 1902 came to his present
home in Jackson Township.
Mr. Freed married Miss Esther Bowers, of Ohio. Their oldest
child died, and the three children now living are: Mar\'in, who is
mari'ied and is a farmer; ]\Iary, wife of Charles Montel, of Lake
Township; and Osuola, wife of Ealph ilontei, of Lake Township.
Mr. Freed was elected to the ministrj^ December 9, 1911, and
was ordained January 1, 1916, as an elder of "The Church of the
Brethren." Since January 1, 1918, he has had charge of the church
congregation at Eel River. He is a republican in politics. Mr.
Freed owns a farm of 100 acres, while his son has sixty acres, all
of it in one body and constituting in improvements and an-ange-
ments one of the best country places in Jackson Township.
Aaron Byrer is one of the solid, industrial meu of Kosciusko
Coimt.v who have elected to remain largely in one locality all their
lives and have bit by bit progressed and prospered to the achieve-
ment of a fine farm, good home and all the esteem that is paid a
useful member of a community. The Byrer farm is in Prairie
Township, eight miles northwest of Warsaw.
Mr. Byrer was born in Lancaster Count.y, Ohio, April 14, 18-57,
and was brought to Kosciusko County when about a year old. His
parents were Frederick and Christine (Hutt) Byrer, both natives
of Ohio. After their marriage they lived in Ohio about seven j-ears
before coming to Kosciusko County. Frederick Byrer located at
Stony Point in Prairie Township, and he and his wife spent the rest
of their days in that vicinity. He was very active in religious af-
fairs as a member of the United Brethren Church and was a repub-
lican voter. He and his wife had seven children: William, a resi-
dent of Los Angeles, California ; Z. T., a retired farmer of Leesburg ;
Aaron: Samuel M., a retired resident of Leesburg; Hudson, of Fort
Wayne ; John C, a farmer in Prairie Township ; and George F., a
mini.ster of the United Brethren Church at Warsaw.
Aaron Byrer has spent practically all his life in Prairie Town-
ship. He had the advantages of the district schools, and from the
time he attained the age of twenty-one has been steadily working
as a farmer. On April 7, 1888, he married Alma Hall, member of
one of the oldest and most prominent families of Kosciusko County.
She is a daughter of Joel and Mary (Roberts) Hall. Her
father was born on the old homestead, a son of Samuel D. and Cath-
erine (Anglin) Hall. Samuel D. Hall was born and married in
HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY 437
West Virginia, and in pioneer times made a trip on horseback to
Kosciusko County. He was one of the very first to take up land in
Prairie Township. He acquired large tracts of land which were
developed under his supervision. He was also a man of prominence
in local affairs, was the first justice of the peace of Prairie Town-
ship, and was one of the first associate judges of the county. He
was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and a democrat.
His children were David, Hiram, Malinda, Lucinda, Elizabeth, Ma-
tilda and William. Joel Hall and wife had the following chil-
dren: Alma, Samuel 0., Eva, Ida, Flora, William R., and C. A.
Hall. Mrs. Byrer was reared on her father's farm and had a dis-
trict school education. She is the mother of three children: Lois
E., unmarried and living at home; Avis, a graduate of the War-
saw High School; and Ernest E., a student in the Warsaw High
School. The family are members of the United Brethren Church
and ]\Ir. Byrer is one of its trustees. He also belongs to the Horse
Thief Detective Association and is a republican in politics. The
land he has accumulated by his efforts and which he devotes to
general farming comprises 157 of the good acres of Prairie Town-
ship.
Melville C. Cutler is one of the prominent farmers in south-
eastern Kosciusko County. He has made all he has by hard work
and intelligent management. He spent most of his early "life in White
County, Indiana, and while there laid the basis of his prosperity. He
is owner and proprietor of the Sunny Brook Farm, comprising 179
acres, situated a mile west and a half mile south of Sidney. Mr.
Cutler grows and handles a large number of stock of all kinds, and
has made a success of his business, and while prospering individuallv
has contributed something of value to the community and to tli'e
world.
Mr. Cutler was born in White County, Indiana, October 29, 1867,
a son of John D. and Josephine (Kions) Cutler. His parents were
both natives of Pickaway County, Ohio, the father born in 1834 and
tlie inother in 1844. They came with their respective parents to
White County, Indiana, the Kions family locating near Brookston,
while the Cutlers established their home near Monticello. John D.
Cutler was eight years old when he went to White County, and
though a small boy he walked all the way from Ohio and led a steer.
He was educated in the common schools and also in the University of
Michigan. After his marriage he settled near Brookston, rented a
farm there until about 1893, and then purchased the place upon which
he IS still living. His wife is a membei' of the Methodist Episcopal
Church. John D. Cutler is a republican. Of their seven children
three are still living: David L., who is farming a place a mile west
of Warsaw; Louise, wife of L. S. Hart, of White Countv: and Mel-
ville C.
Melville C. Cutler was educated in the district schools of White
County and remained at home until twenty-one. In starting for him-
self he was employed by his father for some years. In June. 1894,
438 HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY
he married Miss Ida C. Welever, who was born in White County in
1870.
After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Cutler rented a farm in White
County for nine years and they got their start as renters. With
what modest means they had been able to accumulate in that time
they came to Kosciusko County in 1903 and bought the present farm
of 179 acres, and since then Mr. Cutler has also acquired another
place of fifty-eight and one-half acres in Jackson Township. He and
his wife are members of the Presbyterian church and in politics he is
a republican.
James A. Reed has cultivated and has been the owner of several
farms over Kosciusko County, and his present home and the scene
of his agricultural enterprise are at Yellow Creek Lake in Seward
Township.
His parents, Robert and Margaret (Bums) Reed, were living in
Fulton County, Indiana, when James A. Reed was bom September
13, 1852. His parents were both natives of Wayne County, Ohio,
and were brought by their respective families to Indiana, where they
grew up and married. They first settled on a farm in Seward Town-
ship, a farm now owned by J. 'A. Carter, and after selling out they
bought a place at the southeast corner of Yellow Creek Lake. They
continued to live in that well known community the rest of their
da.ys. Both parents were members of the United Brethren Church,
and in politics the father was a republican. There were ten children,
and six of them are still living: Miletus Reed, of Warsaw; Robert L.,
of Battle Creek, Michigan ; Elmira. wife of James Riley ; James A. ;
Louise, wife of Thad McClue, of Silver Lake; and Ella, wife of Rob-
ert Connor.
James A. Reed spent his boyhood days on a fann, attended the
common schools, and lives at home and gave his labor to the family
until he was twenty-one. Not long after arriving at man's estate he
assumed a man's obligations to support a family, and at the age of
twenty-three, on July 11, 1875, married Miss Viola Hatfield. Mrs.
Reed was born three miles north of the Fairview Church December
22, 1858. daughter of William and Mary (Rose) Hatfield. Her father
was born in Penns.ylvania, May 6, 1822, and died in Claypool, Indiana,
June 2, 1895. Her parents were married January 9, 1845, and they
had twelve children, eight daughters and foxir sons: Emeline. wife of
John Anderson; Rebecca J., wife of Jonathan Creery; George, de-
ceased, who married Hannah Delane ; Isabelle, wife of Thomas Linn ;
Thomas, deceased ; Mary C. ; Edward, deceased ; Viola, Mrs. Reed ;
Ida, deceased ; Willard ; Florence and Rosetta, both deceased. Mrs.
Reed grew up in Seward township and attended school there.
Since his marriage Mr. Reed has been a practical farmer, giving
his undivided attention to his business, and has been abundantly pros-
pered. He and his wife first lived on the Elmer Yocum farm for
two years, spent two years in Fulton County, were also in Grant and
Madison Counties for a time, and on returning to Kosciusko County
located in Monroe Township. Later they bought a place of forty
HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY 439
acres, in Lake Township, sold that and bought eighty-one acres,
which the.y occupied only six months, and from there came to their
place of sixty acres east of Yellow Creek Lake. They own nine acres
at their home west of Yellow Creek Lake.
Mr. and Mrs. Reed have an interesting family of boys: Frank,
Dallas, Clyde, Carl, Ed and Freddie, twins, and Irwin. Freddie and
Irwin are deceased. Mrs. Reed is a member of the Church of God,
and in polities Mr. Reed is a republican. He has never had any
aspiration to hold public office.
Cyrus Musselman is a well-to-do farmer whose home is a mile
and a half west of Sidney in Jackson Township. Mr. Musselman
has spent half a century in this county, has lived close to the soil and
to agricultural activities, and has always been a man of the highest
standing in his community.
He was born in Paulding County, Ohio, August 20, 1842, a son
of John and Eliza (Clemmer) Musselman. His father was born in
Virginia, and in early manhood went to Ohio, where he married his
wife, a native of that state. They were pioneers in Paulding County,
where they spent their lives. They made a farm from the woods, it
being necessary to clear a spot in which to erect their log cabin.
They were kindly, good-hearted neighbors and honest, hard-working
people who well deserved the esteem in which they were held. Of
their fourteen children two died in infancy, and all the others
reached mature age. Those still living are : Amos, of Missouri ; Cyrus ;
Ira, of Paulding County: Eliza, widow of William Merchant, of
Ohio ; Minerva, widow of Orlando Coffin ; and Ida, a widow living in
California.
Cyrus Musselman spent his boyhood days on the old farm in
Paulding County and was educated in the public schools. During
his youth he learned the trade of tanner and shoemaker. After com-
ing to Indiana in 1863 and locating in Kosciusko County he was in
the saw mill business for seven years. For over forty years he has
given his time and energy to farming, and he still owns and super-
vises the management of 184 acres in the northwest corner of Jackson
Township.
Mr. Musselman married for his first wife Maria Clemmer. Of
their four children three are living : Albert, of California ; Ida, liv-
ing in Oklahoma ; and Laban, also in California. On June 27, i897,
Mr. Musselman married Adella Lenwell, a widow. She was born in
Monroe Township of this county January 25, 1864, and was reared
m the home of Mrs. S. R. Wince near Piereeton. Her first husband
was Chester Reason, and by that marriage she had two children
Frederick and Charles. Mr. and Mrs. Musselman are members of
the Church of God and he is a democratic voter.
Jerome A. Carter. There are several counties and communities
in Northern Indiana that have known Jerome A. Carter as a resi-
dent and in every one he has enjoyed the reputation of being a
hustling, enterprising farmer and good citizen and has succeeded
440 HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY
beyond the average in all his undertakings. Mr. Carter now owns
a well improved and valuable farm of 225 acres situated partly in
Seward and partly in Franklin Townships. His place measures up
to the best standards of farm improvement and management in this
section of Indiana.
Mr. Carter was born in LaPorte County, Indiana, January 10,
1852, son of John and Mary (Windle) Carter. His parents were
both natives of Shenandoah County, Virginia, the father born in
1820 and the mother in 1827. When the "Windle family migrated
from the famous valley of Virginia and settled in LaPorte County,
Indiana, John Carter went along with them and he and Mary Win-
dle were subsequently married. John Carter was a printer by trade,
and for several years was employed on newspapers at LaPorte and
in Michigan City. He gave up his trade to become a farmer and
in 1862 moved to Jasper County, Indiana, and in 1871 to Newton
County, and in that locality he lived until his death. He was a dem-
ocrat in politics. Of his family of five children three are still living :
Charles, of Silver Lake ; Jerome A. ; and Cathei'ine, wife of Francis
Yeager, of Newton County, Indiana.
Jerome A. Carter spent his boyhood days on his father's farm,
received an education in the district schools and remained at home
until he was twenty-one. Since then he has been making his own
way in the world, and he had a most capable helpmate in the person
of his good wife, whom he married in 1880. Her maiden name was
Sarah A. Crisler. Mrs. Carter was bom in Bartholomew County,
Indiana, but her people moved to Newton County when she was five
years of age. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Carter rented land
for a time, then bought a place in Newton County, and he has rather
followed the policy of taking unimproved or partly run down fanns,
building them up, and then selling and moving to a new location.
In the course of his operations he has been a farm owner and man-
ager in Newton, Jasper, LaGrange and Elkhart counties, and it was
from the last named county that he moved to Kosciusko County in
1905 and bought his present place. Mr. Carter is a democrat.
He and his wife had five children: Lulu, at home; Charles, a
hardware merchant at MentoJie, Indiana; John H., a farmer; Glenn,
who is married and lives on a farm in Newton County: and Emmet,
of Elkhart, Indiana.
George M. Alex.vnder. The interests of the business and agri-
cultural community that center at Bui'kett have a prominent factor
in George M. Alexander, who has been a farmer in that locality for
forty years, for a similar time has been engaged in the threshing
business, and has also been officially and otherwise identified with
several of those institutions which involve the business and domestic
welfare of the community. Mr. Alexander is president of the Equity
Union Elevator Company at Burkett. He is also one of the directors
of the Bank of Seward. He is a director of the Farmers Mutual
Relief Association, and is also president of the Farmers Co-operative
Telephone Company.
^9^e^:r^^t^^uuC^
HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY 441
Mr. Alexander, whose home place is 21^ miles south of Bur-
ket, was born in Seward Township May 7, 1867, son of Mathew M.
and Editha (Darling) Alexander. His parents were both natives
of Richland County, Ohio, and after their marriage in that state
they came to Kosciusko County and settled on a farm near Yellow
Creek Lake. In that locality they were residents the rest of their
lives. They were members of the Church of God at Lake Bethel.
There is an interesting diversity in the politics of the three genera-
tions of the Alexander family. Mathew Alexander was the only
republican among his father's children, while George M. is the only
democrat in his father's family. Mathew Alexander had eleven
children, six of whom are still living: Peter, of Warsaw; Jonathan,
of Seward Township ; Ida, wife of Elia.s Parker, of Claypool ; Nettie,
wife of H. C. Tucker, of Akron, Indiana ; George M. ; and Frank,
a farmer in Seward Township.
George M. Alexander grew up on the old farm and had to be
satisfied with such advantages as were afforded bj- the district
schools. He lived at home till the age of twenty-four, and then es-
tablished a home of his own by his marriage to Inez Blue, daughter
of that pi'ominent old pioneer Peter A. Blue. Mrs. Alexander at
her death was survived by five children : Elvin V., Russell F., Er-
bie v.. Lulu L., and Retia. All the daughters were educated in the
local schools and two of them were high school graduates. Mr.
Alexander married for his present wife Bertha Crall, a native of
Hairison Township. They have one son, Edwin.
Along with fanning Mi'. Alexander earl,y took up the business of
threshing, and has worn out a number of outfits in that business
and could tell many interesting facts concerning the development
of threshing machinery. He had some of the old time machines,
even those operated by horse power, and in the early days practically
every mechanical feature of the threshing outfit had to be operated
by one or two men, while the most modern machines he has had are
largely automatic and result in a large elimination and saving of
man power. Mr. Alexander is a member of the Ancient Order of
Gleaners and of the Loyal Order of Moose at Warsaw.
John Ferverda is a merchant of successful experience, and has
been identified with the hardware trade at Silver Lake for a num-
ber of years, being one of the live and enterprising business men
and citizens of that locality.
He was born in Plain Township of this county December 26,
1882, a son of Hiram B. and Eveline (Miller) Ferverda, both of
whom now reside at Leesburg. John Fei-verda grew up on his
father's farm in Plain Township and was liberally educated. He
attended both the common and high schools of Oswego, being a
graduate of both, and also was a student in the Tri-State Normal
at Angola. For hLs scholarship he was granted a license to teach,
but never used it in that profession. His life was spent largely at
home imtil the age of twenty-two. Having mastered the art of
telegraphy, he entered the service of the Big Four Railway as an
442 HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY
operator, and was assigned at different stations along that system
and remained in that service about ten years. In 1916 Mr. Fer-
verda left the railroad to take up business, and is now a member of
the F. and F. Hardware Company of Silver Lake.
In 1907 he married Miss Bditli B. Lore, a native of Rush County,
Indiana, and a high school graduate. They have one son, Harold L.,
born November 24, 1915. Mr. and Mrs. Ferverda are members of
the Lutheran Church, and he is afifiliated with Denning Lodge No. 88,
Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, at North Manchester, and of
the Knights of Pythias Lodge. In polities he is a republican.
John F. Clymer, who is now busying himself with the manage-
ment of his farm a quarter of a mile west of Silver Ivake, has had
an unusual scope of experience and activity, having been a teacher,
newspaper man, traveling salesman, and is a former postmaster of
the Village of Silver Lake.
Mr. Clymer was bom near Mansfield in Richland County, Ohio,
March 18, 1855, a son of Henry and Mary (Landis) Clymer. His
father was boi-n in Berks County, Pennsylvania, and his mother in
Montgomerj' County, Ohio. They married in the latter county and
soon located in Richland County, were farmers there until 1858,
when they went out to Bond County, Illinois. They had their home
there four years and in 1862, on coming to Indiana, located in Ran-
dolph County for two years, and in 1864 moved to Kosciusko County,
and in this county they spent their declining years. They were
active members of the Dunkard Church and the father was a repub-
lican. Of the nine children seven reached maturity: Samuel, of
North Manchester; Elizabeth, wife of Peter Tredle, of California;
John F. ; Mary, wife of Clay M. Wise ; Nancy, widow of Joshua Den-
ser, living near Claypool; Sarah C, wife of Christian Dought; and
D. H. Clymer, who is a newspaper writer at Logansport.
John F. Clymer grew up in Kosciusko County from 1864, when
he was nine years of age, and acquired his education in the local
schools. He was a good student and at the age of twenty-one applied
for a license as teacher. He taught and also attended the Methodist
College at Fort Wa^'ne. His record as a teacher covered sixteen
terms. When Benjamin Harrison was elected president Mr. Clymer
was appointed postmaster at Silver Lake and filled that office sev-
eral years. For nine .years he was on the road as traveling repre-
sentative for the Deering Harvester Company, and for eighteen
months he was connected with the South Bend Times. Otherwise
his experience has been that of a farmer, and his home place com-
prises forty acres of well cultivated and highly ii^ipi'oved land.
In 1880 Mr. Clymer married Miss Lodelle Kerlin, who was born
near Silver Lake in 1862 and was educated in the common schools.
Their four children are: Oma 6., wife of Percy Perry, of Lake
Township ; M. T., who is married and an operator with the Grand
Trunk Railway, living at Granger, Indiana; Noble Ray, who is mar-
ried and is connected with the Big Four Railway at Berrien Center,
HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY 443
Michigan ; and Mary P., who is a graduate of the Silver Lake High
School and is still at home.
Mr. Clymer is affiliated with the Knights of Pythias and the
Masonic Order, and is a past chancellor of the former. He has al-
ways been interested in the success of the republican party, and
through it has given his chief public service. He is the present nom-
inee for the office of trustee of Lake Township.
Thomas E. Ball. Many of the best farmers in Kosciusko County
are located in Seward Township, where local pride is shown in the
substantial and attractive buildings and richly cultivated fields
which stand as substantial evidence of the industry and intelligence
of their owners. One of these capable men around Silver Lake is
Thomas E. Ball, whose farm is four miles west of that village.
In this township he was born June 25, 1858, a son of Henderson
W. and Freela (Lumpkin) Ball. His father was a native of Ran-
dolph County, Indiana, and his mother of Putnam County. They
married in the latter coanty and after some years came to Kosciusko
County and were well known residents of Sew'ard Township for many
years. The father had a farm of 120 acres. Both father and mother
were active in the Baptist Church, and the former was a well known
local minister who did work here and in many other communities.
He was also active in the republican party, and for a number of years
held a commission as notary public. The death of this honored
old tmie citizen occurred in January, 1910, while his widow passed
away April 22, 1914. They earned the gratitude of coming genera-
tions by establishing a large posterity. Of their children two died
in infancy and one after reaching maturity. Those still living are :
Martha, wife of William Williams; Lewis C, a farmer in Fulton
County, Indiana ; Charity, wife of Calvin Moyer, of Warsaw ; John
M., a farmer in Franklin Township; Freela, wife of George Swick,
living in Texas ; Thomas E. ; Laura A., wife of Monda Gast ; Viola,'
wife of Henry Meredith, of Akron, Indiana ; Jennie, unmarried ; and
Robert N., a Baptist minister living at Indianapolis.
Thomas E. Ball grew up on the old farm in Seward Township.
The scene of his boyhood is only a mile and a half from his present
home. He went back and forth to the district schools, especially dur-
ing the winter tenns, and was a factor in the home circle until
twenty-five. He then married Miss Laura Roberson. She died April
18, 1891, the mother of two children, Angus G., a farmer in Seward
Township, and Iva F., wife of Percy Helser, of Lake Township. For
his present wife Mr. Ball married Mrs. Sarah A. (Friend) Utter, of
Miami County, Indiana, where she was born. Her first husband was
John Utter. Mr. Ball takes an active interest in various organiza-
tions and movements, is a member of the Horse Thief Detective As-
sociation, is a republican, and filled the office of justice of the peace
four years.
Jacob H. Moet has been a figure in the business life of Kosciusko
County for a number of years. He is well known over a large scope
444 HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY
of country as a former gi-ain and stock buyer, but is now eoueeu-
trating his attention upon the management of the Highland Orchard,
and is one of the largest and most successful fruit growers in the
county. His entire farm comprises 100 acres, situated in Jackson
Township, a mile south and a mile and a half west of Sidney. Mr.
Mort has sixty-ifive acres in fruit trees and is a producer of fruit
on a commercial scale, and has acquired all the facilities for the ex-
pert handling of his crop.
Mr. Mort was born in Allen County, Ohio, October 18, 1863, a
son of Joseph and Elizabeth (Harpster) Mort. Joseph Mort was
born in Harrison County, Ohio, sou of George and Man- Mort, the
former a native of Marj'land and the latter of Pennsylvania. Joseph
Mort at the age of three years accompanied his parents to Tuscar-
awas County and at the age of fifteen he left home to live with an
uncle. In his twentieth year he entered upon an apprenticeship to
learn the trade of tanner and currier at Tiffin, Ohio, and followed
that business for many years. In Allen County, Ohio, November 4,
1849, he married Miss Elizabeth Harpster, who was born February
15, 1831, in Fairfield County, Ohio, a daughter of Anthony and
Sophia Harpster. Joseph Mort brought his family to Kosciusko
County in 1871, and for some years operated a tannery at Warsaw.
In July, 1882, he located upon a farm a mile and a half northwest
of Warsaw, later farmed in Jackson Township and died in advanced
years at Silver Lake. While living in Ohio he served as trustee, was
a democrat in politics and a member of the Grange. He and his
wife had children named Anthony, ilary, George, Emanuel, Lj'dia,
Nancy, John M., Jacob H., and Emma.
Jacob H. ^lort grew up in and from the age of seven to six-
teen attended the public schools of Warsaw. Later he graduated
from a business college in Chicago. He entered upon his business
career as a haj^ and grain buyer and shipper, and owned an elevator
for about a dozen .veai-s. He then came to his present farm in
Jackson Township and is busy from one year's end to the other in
looking after his trees and handling his enormous crops of fruit.
ilr. Mort married Miss Ora Hinkson, a native of Kosciusko
County. They have five children, Ruth, Russell, Berniee, Louis and
Louise, twins, the last being seven years of age. The two older chil-
dren are graduates of the common schools. Mr. and Mrs. Mort are
membei-s of the Christian Church. He is affiliated with the Knights
of Pythias Lodge at North Manchester, and votes as a democrat.
While he has never taken much part in politics or sought ofSee, he
has accepted the nomination for assessor in his township.
Albert E. Ross, when he married twenty years ago, had a team
and twenty-seven dollars" worth of furniture. He applied himself
to farming, the vocation to which he had been trained as a boy, and
by hard and constant work and by paying attention to the selling
as well as to the producing end of his business he has prospered so
that he owns a large farm of 370 acres in Jackson Township, his
home being in section 2 south of Sidnej', and his name is everywhere
^ ^^.4-^^
HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY 445
in that community recognized as one of the good and substantial
citizens.
Mr. Ross was bom August 30, 1876, in the same township where
he now resides, and his parents were John and Jane (Stout) Ross.
His mother died in 1884 and his father is still living. Albert E. is
the oldest of four children. His sister Cora is the wife of A. B.
Ulrey, of Jackson Township. Eva is the wife of Milton Miller, of
Jackson To^vnship, and Charles W. Ross is also a well known fanner
in the same locality.
Albert E. Ross grew up on the old homestead, attended the dis-
trict schools near home, and was married in his twenty-first year,
on February 26, 1898. Miss Rosa C. Fox was his bride. She has
been a faithful manager of the home and has closely co-operated
with her husband in their joint enterprise as farmers. Mr. Ross has
fed many carloads of cattle, hogs and sheep during the last twenty
years and he has made his money in stock and grain. He ships his
own stock, buys by the carload, and keeps in close touch with market
conditions. Mr. Ross is a republican, has been quite active in party
interest, and he and his wife are members of the Church of the
Brethren. They have two sons, Eugene, a graduate of the common
schools, and Lawrence, eight years old.
James B. Gill, a farmer living a mile and a half north and a
mile and a half west of Silver Lake, is a man of wide and unusual
experience, and has spent more than half a century as a citizen of
Kosciusko County.
His birth occun-ed in Champaign Coimty, Ohio, September 24,
1843. His birthplace was near Mechaniesburg. His parenis were
John D. and Sophia (Winett) Gill. His grandfather, David Gill,
wa.s born in Maryland of Irish ancestry, and married Mary Dent
of Scotch-Irish ancestry. They were married in Maryland, where
Mary Dent's father was an extensive slave holder. When his daugh-
ter married this planter gave her eight or ten slaves, but when
David Gill and wife moved to Ohio the slaves automatically became
free, and all of them remained in that state but one, who kept close
to the family as long as she lived. David Gill had a home near
Mechaniesburg, Ohio, and was both a farmer and a minister of the
Methodist Episcopal Church. He and his -svife died in that vicinity.
They had four sons and four daughters. John D. Gill was born in
Pickaway County, Ohio, January 14, 1812. His wife, Sophia Winett,
was born in Virginia June 25, 1808. They married in Champaign
County, Ohio, and lived on a fann and later in the Village of Me-
chaniesburg, where John D. Gill followed his trade as a shoemaker.
He was the father of seven children : Henry and Susanna, deceased ;
Newton A., a retired farmer living in Clay Township of this county ;
James E. ; John J., of Warsaw ; Amelia A., wife of Joshua Rose, of
Seneca County, Ohio ; and Sophia F., wife of Henry Baum, of Sew-
ard Township.
James E. Gill was eleven years old when he came to Kosciusko
County. His education was such as could be supplied by the dis-
446 HISTOKY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY
trict schools of his day. His first important enterprise was in asso-
ciation with a brother. Together they cleared and put into culti-
vation a tract of eighty acres of land. This was the work that kept
him busy until he was twenty-three, when he established a home of
his own by his marriage April 1, 1866, to Miss Martha A. Rolland.
She was born in Knox County, Ohio, March 7, 1845, and came to
Kosciusko County at the age of ten years.
After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Gill went to housekeeping
in a little log cabin 16 by 18 feet, furnished with the utmost sim-
plicity of furniture and equipment. It remained their home for
eight years, and they then bought a farm of 115 acres one mile
west of Silver Lake. This was their second home and after eight
years they sold it, and in 1884 came to their present home of eighty
acres, constituting one of the well kept and productive farms of
Seward Township.
Mrs. Gill died August 10, 1912, and her death was the first break
in the family circle in more than forty-five years. She was the
mother of seven children, and one of them has died since her death.
These children are: John D., of "Warsaw; Dellie, wife of Cal Wise,
of Warsaw; Louis, deceased; James E., of Mentone, Indiana; La-
verna, wife of Albert Whittenberger ; Samuel F., who lives in Mon-
tana; Elmore, whose home is north of Warsaw. The family are
members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Gill is a demo-
crat and has served as constable, and wherever possible has exer-
cised an influence toward the betterment and upbuilding of his com-
munity.
Leonard Summe's carefully tended and valuable farm is in
Franklin Township. He has spent practically all his life i!i the
southern part of Kosciusko county and beginning life with little
capital has proved his ability and won a comfortable competence
and success. He owns 203 acres where he lives.
He was born January 29, 1862, in Seward Township, a son of
Samuel and Catherine (Rough) Summe. His father was born in
Berne, Switzerland, January 25, 1836, and came to the United States
when a young man in 1855. He settled in Columbiana County, Ohio,
where lie met and married his wife, Catherine Rough, who was a
native of that county, born November 20, 1840. In 1861 they moved
to Indiana, locating near Claypool in Seward Township, and subse-
quently established their home in Franklin Township. The parents
are still living, in advanced years, and are among the highly esteemed
old people in this part of the county. They had ten children,
namely: Mary, wife of John F. Haney ; Amos, of Franklin Town-
ship ; Leonard ; John, of Silver Lake ; Malinda, who is one of the
deceased children ; Fred, of Silver Lake ; Frank, of Mentone ; Alva ;
Alta, deceased wife of I. Tucker ; and Elmer, of Silver Lake.
Mr. Leonard Summe grew up in Seward Township and was
educated in the district schools there. When only a bo.y he started
out to make his own way in the world, and has well earned the
success now enjoyed. He married j\Iiss Effie D. Tucker, grand-
HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY 447
daughter of that well known and stalwart pioneer and leading citizen
of Kosciusko County, Horace Tucker. Mrs. Summe was born in
Franklin Township, June 7, 1875, daughter of Albert L. and Eliza-
beth (Bechtelheimer) Tucker. Her mother died in 1888. Mr. and
Mrs. Summe after their marriage lived on the Alva L. Tucker farm
until 1902, and then came to their present home, where their children
have grown up and where they have surrounded themselves with
good neighbors and with most prosperous circumstances.
They have four children : Delta R., a graduate of high school
and wife of Orville Royer of Franklin Township; Albert L., who is
a graduate of high school and is still at home ; Alta M. and Ralph
M. Mr. and Mrs. Summe have one grandchild. Mr. Summe is a
democrat in politics but has never cared to hold office.
Ivan Tucker is a grandson of Horace Tucker and is a prosperous
farmer in Franklin Township, in the vicinity which has been made
memorable by the residence and activities of the Tueker family since
pioneer days.
His grandfather, Horace Tucker, was born in Richland County,
Ohio, November 8, 1825, son of John and Mary (Ward) Tucker,
Horace Tucker came to Kosciusko County in 1846 and paid $2.50
an acre for a quarter section in section 20 of Franklin Township, a
short distance northeast of the farm where Ivan Tucker now lives.
He cut the first tree in the woods, erected a log cabin home, and then
went back to Ohio, where on January 13, 1848, he married Miss
Eliza Johnston. They came and occupied their log cabin home in the
fall of 1848, and it was on that farm that their three children were
born. Albert L., Rosella and Hollis. Horace Tucker was one of the
pioneer stock raisers and dealers in Kosciusko County. He and
another man shipped the first carload of stock ever sent by rail from
Warsaw. The prosperity he and his wife enjoyed in later years was
the more appreciated because their first home in the county was of
the crudest description and with the most meager furnishings, much
of it home made furniture with no pretense to style and with very
little comfort. In 1871 Horace Tucker erected a brick house on his
farm. It is said that his wind pump was the second in the township.
He was in the stock business on an extensive scale, and in that line
was succeeded by his son Albert.
Albert L. Tucker was born in Franklin Township, September 19,
1849, and in many wa.vs measured up to the business ability and
sturdy character of his honored father. He married Elizabeth Bech-
telheimer, who was born in Indiana in 1853 and died in March, 1888.
They have eight children : Elmore, of Newcastle, Indiana ; Effie, wife
of Leonard Summe, of Franklin Township ; Ida, widow of Lawrence
Huffer, of Burket, Indiana; Ivan; Roy, a farmer in the state of
Washington ; John, of Chicago ; Jlillie, wife of Arthur Gelty, of
Silver Lake ; and Frank C, of Claypool.
Ivan Tucker was born on his father's farm in section 31 of Frank-
lin Township and in that community he grew to manhood, attending
the local schools. At the age of eighteen he went to work for his
448 HISTOKY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY
gi-aiidfather, Horace Tucker, later farmed his place one year, spent
one year in Ohio, and also a short time in the West. In December,
1901, he married Miss Alta Summe. She died in August, 1902,
without children. April 2, 1905, Mr. Tucker married Cecil McFar-
land. She was born in Franklin Township, December 21, 1884, and
was educated in the common schools.
For a number of years Mr. Tucker owned and occupied the old
Horace Tucker homestead, but finally sold that and in 1911 came
to his present place in section 30, where he owns 144 acres of care-
fully cultivated land. He is a breeder and raiser of graded stock
and usually feeds a carload of cattle for the market every year.
Politically he is a democrat.
Mr. and Mrs. Tucker have two children: Mirabel, born August
20, 1907, and Alton L., born March 19, 1909.
Omer N. Igo is one of the influential citizens of Franklin Town-
ship, is a farmer, stock buyer, and a leader in all the community
activities. His fine farm, which represents almost a lifetime of effort
and enterprise on his part, is situated five miles south and one mile
east of Mentone.
Mr. Igo was born in Edgar County, Illinois, September 16, 1866,
a son of "William and Leah (Wilkins) Igo. His parents were both
born and reared in Highland County, Ohio, where they married.
"William Igo was a son of Henry Igo, one of the early settlers in that
part of Ohio. From Highland County William Igo and wife moved
to Edgar County. Illinois, were farmers there many years, and later
moved out to Oklahoma, where they died. They were members of the
Methodist Episcopal Church. Of their nine children five are still
living, and two of the sous are in Kosciusko County, George and
Omer, the former also a farmer in Franklin Township.
Omer N. Igo was educated in Edgar County, Illinois, also
attended school in Kosciusko County, and at the age of twenty he
became self supporting and went to work for John R. Black, whose
daughter, Minnie Black, he subsequently maiTied. After their mar-
i-iage Mr. and Mrs. Igo settled on the fanu where they now live, and
here he owns 127 acres of well improved soil. From his farm he
carries on his extensive operations as a cattle man. He buys, feeds
and ships several carloads of stock every year. ilr. Igo was one of
the organizei-s of the Farmers Mutual Telephone Company and a
director for some years. He also served one term as trustee of
Franklin Township, and has taken quite an interest in politics as a
democrat.
He and his wife have a fine family of children, ten in number,
briefly mentioned as follows : Icie, a graduate of the common schools
and wife of Marion Taylor; Fro, a graduate of the common schools
and wife of Floyd Tucker; Joe, who finished the common school
course and is now with the colors; Nellie, who has completed the
work of the local schools; Othello, a student, in high school; and
Ernest, "Virgil, Lewis, Edgar and Lillian E., who are the younger
children, still in the home circle.
HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY 449
Elias Leiningeb has been content to extend his usefulness and
energy largely in one locality, and in the quiet but valuable vocation
of farming. Mi-. Leininger lives on one of the good farms of Frank-
lin Township, not far from Beaver Dam.
He came to Kosciusko County when a boy. He was born in
Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, September 12, 1849, a son of Isaac
and Mary C. (Petry) Leininger. Both parents were natives of Penn-
sylvania, the mother of Berks County. After their marriage in
Berks County they settled in Schuylkill County, where the father
died in 1856. The mother married again and subsequently came to
Indiana, bringing some of her children and settling near Beaver Dam.
She died in that community. She was the mother of ten children by
her first husband, and those living today are: David, a farmer in
Fulton County; Elias; Daniel, a merchant at Akron, Indiana, and
Sarah, wife of Henry Halderman.
Elias Leininger was about fifteen years old when he came to
Kosciusko County. He finished his education here in the German
and English schools and lived at home until eighteen. Having
learned the cabinet-making trade, he worked at that occupation at
Beaver Dam for fourteen years, being employed as a cabinet-maker
largely during the winter seasons and working as a carpenter in the
summer. Then for several years he was associated with his brother
Jonas in a general merchandise store at Silver Lake.
In 1875 Mr. Leininger married Miss Amanda Kistler, who was
born and reared in the same locality of Pennsylvania as her husband.
After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Leininger located at Beaver Dam,
and in the spring of 1883 they came to their present fine farm in
Franklin Township. Mr. Leininger is a breeder of Duroc hogs, but
has not specialized to any extent, and has made his prosperity
through general farming. He and his family en.jo.y the comforts of
a very modern home, built in a most substantial manner, with brick
veneering. He and his wife are members of the Church of God and
he is a republican, though he voted as a democrat up to the campaign
of 1896.
Mr. Leininger is the father of eight children : Anina ; Loa ; Beulah ;
Ida, in the employ of the government as domestic instructor ; Charles ;
Mabel, wife of Carl Gast, of Akron; Daniel, who is a Second Lieu-
tenant and now in Texas ; and Helen, at home.
Isaac M. Shoemaker is one of the men of high sta)iding and
substantial achievements in Franklin Township. His farm is in
section 5, a mile east of Beaver Dam. He has lived in that com-
munity many years and not least among his contributions to the
community is his family of sturdy sons and capable daughters who
have gi-own up in his home and gone forth most of them into homes
of their own.
Mr. Shoemaker was born in Franklin Township, February 27,
1856. a son of Elias and Rebecca (Radbaugh) Shoemaker. " His
father was born in Maryland and his mother in St. Joseph County,
Indiana. Elias Shoemaker went to Ohio at the age of sixteen, later
450 HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY
to St. Joseph Count}', Indiana, married, and after a few years came
to Kosciusko County and established a home on the farm now owned
by his son Isaac. He and his wife were active members of the
Dunkard Church. In polities he was a democrat. Of the twelve
children in the parents' family seven are living: Barbara A., widow
of Albert Myers ; Mary J., wife of Amos Swihart ; Levi, of Blooms-
burg, Indiana; Joseph, of Clay Township, this county; Isaac M. ;
Benjamin, who lives in Kansas; Daniel, of Seward Township.
Isaac M. Shoemaker grew up on his father's farm and had the
advantages of the local schools. March 11, 1883, he married Miss
Margaret Jliller. She was born in Ohio, September 23, 1859, but
from early girlhood was reared in Kosciusko County.
At the time of their marriage Mr. and ilrs. Shoemaker settled
on the farm where they now reside, and that has been Mr. Shoe-
maker's home ever since but for a period of five years. He has
eighty-two acres that has long responded to his skillful and capable
management, and has furnished him the resources for keeping up the
home and providing for his children.
He and his wife had fourteen children, and a brief record of
those that grew up is as follows : Elva, wife of Elza P. Karns ; Clyde,
who married Fern Regnos ; Ralph, who married Myrtle Gilmore ;
Earl, who married Ruth Douglas, of Chicago: Edna, wife of Clark
Chapman, of California ; Carl, a resident of California but now with
the United States Army; Floyd, who married Elma Thornburg and
lives in Fulton County; Russell, who married Isel Hill and is now
with the United States forces in France ; Roy, at Camp Colt, Gettys-
burg; Lester, who married Lavon Snyder and lives in Lake Town-
ship ; Forest and Glenn, both at home, the latter still in high school.
Mr. Shoemaker is an independent voter.
Albert Sarber. One of the oldest residents of Franklin Town-
ship is Albert Sarber, who has lived in that locality more than
three-quarters of a century, and as a child knew it when the tim-
ber was uncut, when the swamps were undrained, and when nearly
every home was a log cabin. Every railroad in the county has been
built within his recollection, and the journey which he can now
make from his home farm to Warsaw by interurban in a few min-
utes, required almost a day of hard traveling over rough roads
when he was a young man. His own share and contribution to the
development and improvements has been considerable, and he has
always been looked upon as one of the sturdy American citizens of
his locality.
I\Ir. Sarber, whose home farm is a half-mile west and a quarter-
mile south of Mentone, was born in Putnam County, Ohio, January
3, 1841, a son of George and Lydia (Andreck) Sarber. He comes
of an old Pennsylvania German famil.v, his great-grandfather, John
Sarber, being a native of Germany. His gi-andparents were Adam
and Catherine (Eusleu) Sarber, both natives of Pennsylvania, where
they married, and in 1814 went into the western wilderness to Frank-
lin County, Ohio. The^v lived there until about 1824, then moved to
HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY 451
Putnam County, where they did their work as pioneers, and when
old age came upon them they moved to Kosciusko County, where
both of them died. Adam Sarber had a family of twelve children.
Third among them was George Sarber, father of Albert. George
Sarber was born in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, August 10, 1810.
He married in Ohio Lydia Andreck, and in 1841 they came to Kos-
ciusko County and bought 171 acres of uncleared land in Franklin
Township. Their cabin was erected in the midst of the green woods,
and years of hard work on the part of George Sarber brought much
of his land under cultivation. He was a quiet, unassuming man,
but active in church, and he and his wife were both members of the
Methodist society at Mentone. He was a democrat in politics. In
their family were three children : Catherine, now deceased, who
married John Morgan ; Hiram, who married Mary E. Lee, and is
also deceased ; and Albert, the only survivor.
Albert Sarber was a small infant when brought to Kosciusko
County. As strength came to him he helped on the farm and at-
tended the little subscription school near home. On reaching his
majority his father divided between him and Hiram the old home-
stead, and they bought their sister's share. His brother Hiram
had three children, and at his death Albert bought out their interests
and thus practically became owner of the old farm.
In August, 1861, Albert Sarber married Margaret Nellans. She
was the mother of four children, two of whom are still living: Ma-
randa H., wife of Abram Whetstone, and ]Mary M. The mother
of these children died in 1872, and on September 27. 1874, Mr. Sar-
ber married Amelia A. Garrison. She was born in Whitley County,
Indiana, August 17, 1855. and came to Kosciusko County when a
young lady. To this marriage were also born four children, and two
are living: Macy, who married Bertha Smith, and has two chil-
dren, and Ora, wife of William Boman, of Mentone. Mr. and Mrs.
Sarber are very active members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
He is a democrat in politics, biit has never sought official honors.
George G. Cook has given the years of an active life, thirty or
more, to the business of farming and stock dealing, and his present
home is a valuable body of land in section 36 of Franklin Township,
five miles south of Mentone.
He was born in the same section of Franklin Township, January
16, 1866, a son of Alexander and Mary (Davidson) Cook. His par-
ents were both born in Scotland and in the same locality. His father
was born June 12, 1827, and in 1852 came to the United States.
Landing in New York City, he went on to Ashland County, Ohio,
where he went to work as a stone mason, a trade he had learned in
Scotland. He worked in that line for several years in Ohio and then
engaged in the saw mill business. After coming to the United States
he earned money sufficient to bring over his widowed mother and
other members of the familj', and on the same boat that transported
them to America there came Mary Davidson, from the same Scotch
neighborhood, and not long after her arrival she and Alexander Cook
452 HISTORY OP KOSCIUSKO COUNTY
were married. Then for several years he continued in the saw mill
business in Ohio, and about 1863 brought his mill to Kosciusko
County and set up the machinery in Franklin Township, where he
sawed up vast quantities of timber and continued the operation of
the mill until 1898. After coming to Indiana he went back to Ohio
for the purpose of casting his vote at the second election of Abraham
Lincoln in 1864. He was a sturdy and steadfast supporter of the
republican party. He and his wife were members of the Christian
Church and gave liberal support to all public and religious move-
ments in their community. In their family were seven children, one
of whom died in infancy, and the others were Alexander J., William
A., Mary B., who married Clem Jones; Ida H., now deceased;
Maggie J., also deceased, and George G.
George G. Cook has spent practically all his life in Franklin
Township, and as he gi-ew up here was educated in the common
schools. In January, 1889, he married Miss Mary Thompson, who
was also born in this locality. They had five children, and the three
now living are: Grace J., a graduate of the common schools and a
former student in the high school, which she attended nearly four
years, now the wife of Oren C. Craig; Merle, a graduate of the
common schools and high school, unmarried and living at home ; and
Willis, who graduated from the Akron High School and is now
ser\'ing with the rank of coi-poral in the United States Army.
Mr. Cook is affiliated with Akron Lodge of Masons and with the
Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks at Warsaw. He is a repub-
lican and has been quite active in the party. His farm comprises
100 acres, and this valuable estate represents his individual efforts
and management, with the exception of about a thousand dollars
which was his primary capital. Mr. Cook is also one of the directors
of the Exchange Bank of Akron.
William E. Davis has been continuously identified with the mer-
cantile and civic affairs of the village of Burkett for over thirty
years, almost in fact since the village was founded, and anyone who
knows Burkett also knows William E. Davis. For the past eight
years he has sei-ved as postmaster, handling those duties besides
supervising his store.
Mr. Davis was born in Union County, Indiana, August 25, 1858,
a son of Edmund and Elizabeth (Krauss) Davis. His father was
born in England, while his mother was a native of Germany. Both
came to the United States when young people, were married at
Cincinnati, Ohio, and then moved to a farm in Union County, In-
diana. They lived in Putnam County, Ohio, during their last years.
They had only two children, William E. and Mary E. The latter is
the "wife of S." C. Arnold, of Ottawa, Ohio.
William E. Davis spent a portion of his youth on his father's
farm in Union County. He also attended school there and completed
his education in the high school at Ottawa, Ohio. After graduation
from high school he taught for five years and left that vocation to
identify himself with the Town of Burket in 1884. About two years
HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY 453
later he built the building, 44 by 130 feet, which he has occupied by
a large and varied stock of general merchandise and which has been
one of the principal trading centers of this community for thirty
years. Mr. Davis began with limited capital and has made individual
service and hard work his principal asset in life.
He takes justifiable pride in the fine family of children who have
grown up in his home. March 19, 1879, he married Ada J. Parker.
She was born at Kalida, Ohio. Their children are six in number.
The oldest, Edmund P., a graduate of high school and of Indiana
University, from which he received the degree Master of Arts, also
has a degi-ee from Clark University, and for nine .years was head of
the Department of Mathematics in the State College of Pennsylvania.
Recently his services have l)cen acquired as professor of mathematics
by the Pratt Institute at Brooklyn, New York. The second son,
George E., who graduated A. B. from Indiana State University, has
also been a successful teacher, and was head of the Science Depart-
ment of the Mishawaka, Indiana, High School until he accepted a
position in government service as a draftsman at Philadelphia,
handling the plans for concrete ship construction. Guido W., a high
school graduate, became identified in August, 1918, with the aero-
plane department of the Packard Motor Works. The daughter, Mary,
is the wife of H. E. Rancevan. Lena married H. J. McGinley. Ethel
is the wife of Glen Hatfield.
Mr. Davis and family are active members of the Methodist Epis-
copal Church. He has been a member of the official board and for
four years was president of the Kosciusko County Sunday School
Association. Fraternally he is affiliated with the Independent Order
of Odd Fellows, the Improved Order of Red Men, and the Modern
Woodmen of America. Politically his associations have connected
him with the democratic party since he attained voting age.
Joseph E. Foreman has been one of the busy and enterprising
factors in the citizenship of Seward Township for a number of years.
His fundamental interests are as a farmer, but he is also secretary
and treasurer of the Burket Equity Union Elevator. This is a busi-
ness that furnishes the medium to many farmers and grain raisers
around Burket for the adequate storage and marketing of their
crops. The elevator company has as its officers and directoi-s the
following well known local citizens : George M. Alexander, president ;
A. D. Sands, vice president ; Joseph E. Forman, secretary and treas-
urer; W. A. Hoffman and J. A. Bechtol, directors; and Albert H.
Parker, manager.
Mr. Foreman was boni two miles east of Burket in Seward
Township, August 10, 1876. He is a son of Robert and Mary
(Stumpff) Foreman, both of whom were natives of Snyder County,
Pennsylvania. The grandfather, Elias Foreman, also a native of
Pennsylvania, was the son of a native of Germany, who on coming to
the United States located in Pennsylvania. Robei't Foreman, who
was born October 30, 1844, grew up in Snyder County, Pennsylvania,
married at Three Rivers, Jlichigan. February 29, 1872, and soon
454 HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY
afterward he and his wife came to Kosciusko County and for two
years rented a farm two and a half miles east of Burket. They then
bought their own place of eighty acres and were thrifty farmei-s and
good citizens of that locality the rest of their lives. Robert Foreman
died February 12, 1911, and his wife February 15, 1918. They were
devout members of the Lutheran Church and among its leading sup-
porters. Robert Foreman voted as a republican and had a record as
a soldier of the Civil "War, having been with Company H of the One
Hundred and Eighty-Fourth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. He
and his wife had two children, Joseph E. and Sarah E. Sarah mar-
ried for her first husband Albert Pumley and later became the wife
of Jacob Hatfield. She was the mother of three children.
Joseph E. Foreman grew up on his father's farm and acquired a
liberal education. After utilizing all that the district schools could
give him he attended the Tri-State Normal School at Angola, and
with that preparation entered actively into educational work, a pro-
fession he followed for twelve years.
June 10, 1905, Mr. Foreman mai-ried Eliza J. Roberts. Mrs.
Foreman was bom in Kosciusko County and was educated in district
and select schools, and her record as a teacher covered terms through
nineteen years. Mr. and Mrs. Foreman are active supportei's of the
Church of the Living God. ]\Ir. Foreman is a member of the National
Hoi-se Thief Detective Association. In March. 1918, he and his wife
moved to the Village of Burkett. He owns and supervises the opera-
tion of a farm of 120 acres, and also owns a half interest in another
place of 100 acres.
Clem A. Jones has been a factor in the community around Bur-
ket and in Franklin To-miship for a number of years. From the
farm and farm management his interests have extended to local banks
and other business concerns, and he is one of the influential and rep-
resentative citizens of that community. His farm is in Franklin
Township, three miles southwest of Burket.
He was born in Seward Township of this county, February 4,
1867, a son of John and Nancy (Hire) Jones. He grew up as a boy
on a farm two and a half miles southwest of Burkett, this old place
being situated on the Angling road. The summer months he em-
ployed working on the farm and usually attended school in winter.
He was at home until past twenty-one, then married Mary Cook,
daughter of Alexander Cook, one of the early and prominent pio-
neers of Franklin Township. ^Irs. Jones was born in Ohio and was
educated in the common schools.
After their marriage Mr. and ]\Irs. Jones rented his father's farm
five miles west of "Warsaw fourteen years, and then moved to the
place where they now live and where they have eighty acres iinder
cultivation and in a high state of improvement, ilr. and Mrs. Jones
have two children : Golda, a graduate of the common schools, is the
wife of Russell Ring. Ivan, who farms a mile south and two miles
east of Burkett, married Roxie Kuhn. Mrs. Jones is a member of the
United Brethren Church. In politics he is a democrat, but is satis-
HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY 455
fied to cast his vote, and has no desire for local office. He lives very
busily, looking after his live stock and crops, and is also a stockholder
in the Bank of Seward and is one of the directors, and is a stock-
holder in the Equity Union Elevator at Burket.
Ulysses B. Howard is one of the business men of constructive
mold and special energy who are giving life and vitality to affairs at
Burket. He is a business man, though he could be justly classified
as a farmer, and it is to agriculture that he devotes most of his time.
He is also one of the local bankers, and for many years was a railway
man. He comes of a good old Indiana family, but his prosperity has
been almost entirely the result of his efforts and well directed energies.
Mr. Howard was born in Whitle.y Count.v, Indiana, April 11,
1862, son of Daniel and Margaret (Blaine) Howard. His father was
a native of Pennsylvania and his mother of Ohio. His mother was
brought to Indiana when two yeai-s old and his father came here
when about twenty-two. Daniel" Howard learned the trade of black-
smith, and in 1862 enlisted in Company B of the Seventy-Fourth In-
diana Infantry. He served until the end of the war, was a private,
and a large part of the time was assigned to dut.y as a regimental
blacksmith. After the war he returned to Whitley County, and in
1883 moved to Kosciusko County, and was the honest village black-
smith in Burket until his death in 1912. His wife passed away in
1908. They were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church and he
was a republican and member of the Grand Army of the Republic.
In their family were eight children, all of whom are still living. It
is noteworth}^ that Daniel Howard, who died at a good old age, was
the first break in the circle of thirteen children, the sons and daugh-
ters of his father. The eight children of Daniel Howard are : Ulysses
B. ; Cora, wife of Frank Vaneuren ; Dora, wife of S. R. Bunch ; Cur-
tis, who lives in Northern Indiana ; Milo, a farmer in Seward Town-
ship ; Stella, wife of Oscar Johnson ; James, a farmer in Seward
Township ; Raymond, of Burket.
U. B. Howard lived in Whitley County until he was twenty years
of age, and while there gained his education in the district schools.
Even prior to that he had worked at monthly wages and he early
learned how to rely upon himself. December 29, 1887, at the age of
twenty-five, he married Miss Edith Meyer, member of an old and well
known family of Kosciusko County. She is a daughter of Aaron and
Susanna H. (Dreisbach) Meyer. Her father was born in Lancaster
County, Pennsylvania, and her mother was a native of the same
state. Her mother was brought to Kosciusko County when a girl of
twelve and her father came here at the age of twenty-one. In 1854
they settled in Kosciusko County. Mrs. Howard was, reared in Sew-
ard Township.
After their marriage they began housekeeping at Hammond, In-
diana, and soon afterwards moved to Chicago, where Mr. Howard
went to work as a depot employe of one of the railroads. He was
in the service of one company for thirteen years, and that service was
(Jharaeterized by diligence and complete faithfulness to all the inter-
456 HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY
ests of the corporation. It was with what he had earned and saved
while in the city that he returned to Kosciusko County and bought
his original farm of seventy-three and a third acres. In 1915 he
acquired still more land, so that his present place, located a half-mile
north of Burket, contains 116 2-3 acres. This is the farm and the
home which reflects in large degree the substantial work of Mr. How-
ard. He is also one of the directors of the Bank of Seward and in poli-
tics is a republican.
He and his wife have three sons. Cecil, a graduate of the Burket
and Warsaw High Schools, is a graduate civil engineer from Purdue
University, being now connected with the Smith Construction Com-
pany at Detroit. Claude is also a high school graduate, and Homer,
the youngest son, is now proprietor of the principal garage at Burket.
Mrs. Howard is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
J. Warren Coleman. The county has had no more energetic and
better citizen during the past forty years than J. Warren Coleman
of Warsaw. Far and wide over this section of the state he is known
as a capable insurance man, and has been the principal factor in
making the Ohio Farmers Insurance Company one of the most im-
portant conservatoi-s against fire losses in Kosciusko County. Out-
side of his private business his name is closely associated with the
organized welfare and progress movement in Warsaw.
While not himself a native of Kosciusko County, he belongs to a
family which may justly be considered among Indiana's pioneers.
His grandfather, Daniel Coleman, settled in Allen Countj', this
state, at a period when wild Indians were more plentiful than white
men. In the course of years he acquired extensive holdings in real
estate and was very intimately identified with the early history of
the county of which Fort Wa\me is the metropolis. His son Augus-
tus, father of J. Warren, spent his youth and early manhood after
the manner of pioneer boys in northwest Indiana, and married Sarah
M. Whittaker. In the fall of 1861 he offered his services in defense
of the Union and was enrolled in the Forty-Fourth Indiana Volun-
teer Infantry. His service was brief. On April 4, 1862, he died
from exposure while siiffering from an attack of the black measles.
Two of his four children are still living. His widow aftei-wards
married Robert Anderson and had two children by that union.
J. Warren Coleman spent his early life on a farm in Allen County,
and while thus engaged he enjoyed such advantages as the local
district schools were able to bestow. In 1869, when rising to man-
hood, he went to Logansport and for five years was employed in a
lumber yard there, and that was the basis of his business experience.
Afterwards, with his brother Louis F., he operated the old home-
stead for one year, and the two then bought a fruit farm on Tippe-
canoe Lake in Kosciusko County.
From the scenes of country life Mr. Coleman in 1878 moved to
Warsaw and engaged in the general insurance business. This has
been his line for the past thirty-eight years, and he is probably the
oldest man in the business in this section of Indiana. After twelve
^^^^/^^(^-tCc.,-*-,..*^^
HISTOEY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY 457
years he became general agent for the Ohio Farmers Insurance
Company, and has now held that post and looked after local business
for the company for a quarter of a century. In the meantime he has
placed and adjusted millions of dollars of insurance.
In many ways the wise counsel and material aid of Mr. Coleman
have been utilized for the good of the community. For fifteeiir years
he was a member of the city Board of Education, twelve .rears of
that time serving as president of the body, and under his adminis-
tration there was a wise provision for the local schools and in many
directions a distinct advance and improvement. To no one organiza-
tion does the county seat owe more for its present prosperity than
the Warsaw Chamber of Commerce, and it should be noted that Mr.
Coleman was one of the leading spirits in its organization, was a
liberal contributor to its campaigns, and has always been a director
since it was established. It was largely his idea and his active leader-
ship that brought about the construction of the present splendid
home for the Knights of Pythias at "Warsaw. He is a member of
both the Knights of Pythias and the Improved Order of Red Men,
and in politics is a republican.
On October 22, 1874, Mr. Coleman married Miss Mary Aman.
They became the parents of two children : Eugene A. and Mabel C.
The daughter is the wife of Cyrus Hall, a banker of Leesburg, In-
diana.
The son, Eugene A., was born August 16, 1876, and acquii'ed his
education in the public schools of Warsaw, at Notre Dame Univer-
sity and in Otterbein College. Just prior to graduation from the
latter institution, which however, subsequently awarded him his
diploma, war with Spain was declared and he left school to become
a member of Company H, One Hundred and Sixtieth Indiana In-
fantry. At Matanzas, Cuba, he was employed as clerical aide to
General Sanger. After the war was over he joined his father in the
insurance business. When life was at its brightest, possessed of loyal
friends, with wife and child, a beautiful new home, with every
incentive to live, he was stricken by disease and died in 1910. His
wife before her marriage was Miss Flora Hall, and their only child
was named Eugenia. Eugene A Coleman, whose brief but pro-
ductive career should long be cherished, was identified with the
United Brethren Church, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows
and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.
Fred A. McSherey is a native of Kosciusko County, and for over
thirty years has applied his energies to the business of farming and
stock raising, and is easily one of the most substantial business men
and citizens of Seward Township. His farm home is on Rural Route
No. 4 out of Claypool, three and a half miles west and a mile and
three-quarters north of that town. Mr. McSherry's interests are not
alone identified with the farm, since his operations as a stock buyer
and feeder have brought him high standing among the stock men
of this section of the state, and he is one of the leading shippers out
of Burket.
458 HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY
Mr. MeSherry was born on the farm where he now resides August
28, 1867, and is the only sur\'iving child of Frederick and Elizabeth
(Wilks) MeSherry. His father was a native of Ohio and his mother
of Pennsylvania. His father was brought to Kosciusko County when
three years old and grew up here. The mother came to Indiana when
a young woman, and she and her husband were married in this county.
They spent their lives here as practical and successful farmers. They
were devout members of the United Brethren Church and Frederick
MeSherry was a republican in politics. He and his son owned 458
acres in Seward Township, and that estate is the basis of the son's
enterprise as a farmer and stockman today. There were five chil-
dren in the family, but four of them died while young.
Fred A. MeSherry, after getting his education in the local schools,
became his father's assistant on the farm, and gradually from year to
year assumed more of its responsibilities, and since the death of his
parents has been its owner and proprietor. He buys stock in car-
load lots and practically all the resources of his farm are turned
toward the raising of meat for the market.
Mr. MeSherry married Dora Tucker, a native of this county,
who was educated in the schools of Burket. To their union were
born eleven children, ten of whom are still living: Lillie, wife of
Robert Chinworth of Warsaw; Clancy, a gi-aduate of Burket High
School, who is married and lives on the home farm in Seward Town-
ship ; Charles, a graduate of the Burket High School, and now a
soldier in tlie United States Army : Fjy, a graduate of the Burket
High School and a teacher ; ilary, John and Edith, all high school
students ; Catherine, who is in the seventh grade of the public schools ;
Dorothj- ; Paul, deceased ; and Wilbur. In political faith Mr. Me-
Sherry is a republican.
William Hanes. Of the men who have made farming and the
management of land and its resources their chief business in life, it
is a special pleasure to refer to William Hanes, proprietor of the
Sugar Lane Farm of 2D0 acres, situated four miles northwest of Sil-
ver Lake in Seward Township. Mr. Hanes is an old timer of this
community, has lived here all his life, and his boyhood strength and
enthusiasm were contributed to the sum total of laboi-s by which
his family succeeded in the heavy pioneer task of developing a por-
tion of Kosciusko County's original wilderness.
The Sugar Lane Farm was the old Hanes homestead where he was
born ]\Iarch 19, 1849, a son of John A. and Catherine (Good) Hanes.
Catherine Good was a native of Perry County, Ohio, daughter of
Jacob and Hannah (Hoffman) Good, who were originally from Penn-
sylvania and were settlers in Franklin Township of Kosciusko County
about 1840. John A. Hanes in 1844, as a young man, moved from
Hancock County, Ohio, to Kosciusko County, and lie married Cath-
erine Good January 6, 1846. In the same year he located on the old
Hanes homestead, and he made his home there imtil the death of his
wife. John A. Hanes died at Terre Haute, Indiana. For his second
wife he married Mary Moore, and there were six children bv each
HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY 450
marriage. The six by his first wife, Catherine Good, were : Emeline,
William, George, MaVy E., Leander and Catherine.
Of these the only one still living is William Hanes. While a boy
on the farm he attended the local schools and made such good use
of his advantages that he entered the profession of teaching and fol-
lowed it for ten winters. At the age of sixteen he tried to get into
the nation's service as a soldier in the Civil War, which was then
nearing its conclusion, but was rejected on account of his age.
In December, 1874, Mr. Hanes married Miss Elizabeth Stout,
who was born in Ohio and was brought to this county by her parents.
Mr. and Mrs. Hanes have three children : Luella, who died in child-
hood; Charles V., who lives on the home farm and married Nora Shoe-
maker and Roy E., a graduate of the Silver Lake High School, and
now in the dry goods business at Silver Lake, married Opal Kirland.
Mr. Hanes' many years ago bought the old Hanes homestead and
has kept it in a perfect condition of cultivation and improvement
so that it is widely known for its crops and live stock. Mr. and Mrs.
Hanes are members of the United Brethren Church, and he is a
republican, without any aspirations for holding office.
Joseph Smalley is one of Kosciusko County 's well known citizens
who started life with no particular advantages or assets, and by
thrift and industrj' has gradually accumulated those means which
represent financial independence. Mr. Smalley has been a resident
of this county over thirty-five j-ears, owns a farm, but in 1918 re-
tired to a town home at Burket.
Mr. Smalley was born in Noble County, Indiana, January 31,
1842, a son of David and Margaret (Shoab) Smalley. The grand-
father, Joseph Smalley, a native of Ohio, was a pioneer to Noble
County, Indiana, going there about 1830, and enduring all the hard-
ships and vicissitudes connected with the task of making a home in
a wilderness. David Smalley grew up in Noble County, attended
public school as opportunity offered, and after his marriage settled
down to farming and made that his lifelong home. He and his wife
had three children : Melissa, who never married and died at the
age of seventy-four; Jacob, who lives on the old homestead and is a
stock buyer; and Joseph.
Joseph Smalley lived with his parents until he was grown, and
his early youth was one of companionship with labor and without
ready access to those liberalizing advantages of schools. On Novem-
ber 17, 1871, he married Miss Mary Bybee, member of one of the
oldest and most prominent families of Kosciusko County. Her father,
Washington Bybee, was at one time county commissioner and was on
the board when the court house was erected. Mrs. Smalley grew up
on her father's farm in Franklin Township and was educated in the
common schools. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Smalley lived
for thirteen years in Noble County, but in 1882 moved to their farm
of 160 acres,' half in Franklin and half in Seward townships. This
property they still own, and Mr. Smalley also has a half interest in
460 HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY
144 acres in Noble County. He is a republican in politics and Mrs.
Smalley is a member of the United Brethren Church.
Of their children two are deceased. Those still living are : Harry,
who lives on a farm and man-ied Miss Borton; Gertrude, wife of
Frank Bear, a farmer; and Lucinda, unmarried.
George W. Bouse is one of the capable farmers and stock raisers
of Kosciusko County, made his start in life at an early age, worked
at one time for farmers at wages of $3 a month, and by thrift, energy
and foresight has accomplished what most men desire, the establish-
ment of a good home, a fair degree of prosperity, and has reared a
family and kept all of his relations to his friends and his community
honorable and straightforward.
Mr. Bouse who lives on a farm in Seward Township four and a
half miles northwest of Silver Lake, was born in Fulton County, In-
diana, February 13, 1866, a son of John and Mary A. (Worley)
Bouse. His father was born in Germany and his real name was John
Prince. Brought to this country as an infant, his parents soon
died and he was adopted and carefully reared by John Bouse, whose
name he took. After reaching manhood, and with a very limited
education, he began to carve out his own destiny. He married Mary
A. Worley, a native of Ohio, and they began housekeeping in circum-
stances just above the level of poverty, but by day labor, by thrift
and economy, they got a start and finally secured a pieee of land in
Monroe Township of Kosciusko County, where in the course of time
they developed a good home. They did an excellent part by their
children, twelve in number, nine of whom are still living: Cather-
ine, wife of Ben Perry ; Nancy, wife of Jake Hulban ; Tena, wife of
Charles Near ; Lydia, wife of A. J. Packer ; Harvey, a farmer ; Wil-
liam, who lives in Columbus, Ohio, and is employed by the United
States Government ; OUie, wife of James Craig, of Monroe Town-
ship ; Dessie, wife of Al Cook of McCook, Nebraska ; and George W.
George W. Bouse grew up on his father's farm in Monroe Town-
ship, and left school at the age of eleven to begin work to support
himself. Some of his early employment was with farmers in Seward
Township, where he now lives. He gained the reputation of being
hard working, honest and a thrifty young man, and that reputation
was his principal capital when he married and settled down to achieve
independence. Mr. Bouse is now the owner of 130 acres of land,
most of which represents his individual efforts and striving, and he
has been a very successful breeder of Shorthorn cattle and Belgian
horses. He is a democrat in politics and he and his family are iden-
tified with the United Brethren Church at Yellow Creek Lake.
Mr. Bouse married for his first wife Miss Wava Mattix. She died
the mother of two children, the only one now living being Walter,
who is a graduate of the high school at Claypool. For his present
wife Mr. Bouse married Etta Miller. They have two children, Alton
D., born in 1915, and Lauretta, born October 6, 1917.
HISTORY OP KOSCIUSKO COUNTY 461
Orven a. Heighway. A well situated and eireumstaneed farmer
and stockman of Franklin Township is Orven A. Heighway, pro-
prietor of the "Hillside Home" in section 26. Mr. Heighway is one of
the vigorous and hustling younger men in the farming industry of '
Kosciusko County and has already reached a most satisfactory stage
of progress, though doubtless the most fruitful j^ears of his life is
still ahead of him.
Mr. Heighway was born in Newcastle Township of Pulton County,
Indiana, August 23, 1883. His parents were Empson A. and Keziah
(Teel) Heighway, his father a native of Ohio and his mother of
Franklin Township, Kosciusko County. Empson A. Heighway was
born in Ohio, was reared in Illinois, and moved to Indiana when a
boy, and after his marriage lived in Kosciusko County for a time and
then settled in Pulton County, near Akron. He and his wife are
members of the Church of Christ, and in politics he is a republican.
There are six children in the family : Leslie M., a telegraph operator
at Bluffton, Ohio; Charles W., of Plymouth, Indiana; Mary C, un-
married; Maggie A., wife of Sidney Leininger; Cora, who died in
infancy; and Orven A.
Orven A. Heighway grew up on his father's farm in Fulton
County and was educated in the district schools. He lived at home
until he married in 1904 Miss Nellie M. Black. She is a daughter of
John R. and Lueinda Black, both now residing in Montone. After
their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Heighway lived for a year on the Black
farm and then came to their present place, where they have 120 acres,
and this land has responded magnificently in crops and products to
their management and labors.
Mr. and Mrs. Heighway had four children : Edith, Prances,
now deceased, Robert and Wanda. The family are members of the
United Brethren Church at Beaver Dam, of which Mr. Heighway is
a trustee and secretary and treasurer. He carries insurance in" the
Modern Woodmen of America, and also in the Farmers National Life.
In politics he votes as a republican, and has served as a member of
the Township Advisory Board.
Theron D. Butterbattgh is one of the men of distinction living
on the extreme southern line of Kosciusko County, his farm and home
being in the southeast quarter of section 14, Lake Township, adjoin-
ing the Wabash County line and only a mile or so from the Big
Pour Railway. Mr. Butterbaugh has a fine farm and is also a man
of education and of leadership in civic aifairs and is an ordained
minister of the Church of the Brethren. His home is 51/2 miles south-
east of Silver Lake.
Mr. Butterbaugh was born in Pleasant Township of Wabash
County June 18, 1872, a son of George W. and Lydia (Miller) But-
terbaugh. His father was born in section 14 of Lake Township
September 28, 1846. The Butterbaugh families were pioneers here,
coming to the county about 1840. The wife of George W. Butter-
baugh was born in Pleasant Township of Wabash County October 17,
1848. Both grew up in that locality, married there, settled in Wabash
462 HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY
County and later in Lake Township of this county, where they owned
185 acres close to North Manchester. They lived on that farm home
thirty years and then bought a small farm where the widow is still
living. There were three sons in the family. Theron D. ; Abraham,
a resident of North Manchester ; and Esta, a well known citizen and
business man of Warsaw, auditor and a stockholder in the Hugo
Manufacturing Company of that city.
Theron D. Butterbaugh was reared on the farm near North Man-
chester and made for himself unusual opportunities in the way of an
education. He is a graduate of the Bible department of the North
Manchester College, and also attended the Indiana State Normal
School at Terre Haute. Most of his experience has beeii in practical
farming and on January 20, 1895, he married Miss Mary E. Wright.
She was born in Manchester Township of Wabash County July 12,
1876.
Five years after their marriage Mi*, and Mrs. Butterbaugh located
on the farm where they now reside, and where Mr. Butterbaugh owns
the southeast quarter of section 14. He is engaged in general farming
and stock raising. He has been an ordained minister of the Church of
the Brethern since December, 1913, and now has charge of the West
Eel River Church and does considerable evangelical work. Politi-
cally he is a republican.
Mr. and Mrs. Butterbaugh have seven children: Hazel M., a
graduate of North Manchester, now in Bethany Bible School in Chi-
cago preparing for foreign missionary work ; Rubie M., wife of Russell
E. Werking, of Wabash County; Robert E., attending high school,
as is the next child, Delbei-t W. ; James D. and Paul R., twins, born
in 1910; and Mariam Lucile, born in January, 1917.
William S. Person. The people of Pi-airie Township know Wil-
liam S. Person as a most capable farmer, a citizen who responds to
all the duties and obligations of his community, and a very straight-
forward and capable official, now serving as trustee of the township.
Many declare that the affairs of the township were never better man-
aged than by the present trustee.
Mr. Person was born in this township October 7, 1871, and has
spent most of his life here. His present home farm is a mile west
and a mile north of Atwood. His parents were William and Marga-
ret (McCutcheon) Person, both now deceased. His father was born
at Richmond, Indiana, in May, 1830, and when he was a small child
his parents moved to LaPorte Count}', Indiana, where he grew to
manhood. Margaret McCutcheon was born in Pennsylvania Febru-
aiy 14, 1840, and came with her parents to Liberty Mills in Wabash
Count}'. She married at the age of fourteen. She reared in her
home after her marriage her baby brother, who later ran off and
unlisted as a soldier in the Civil war. He made a record as a brave
and gallant soldier, and is still living, a very capable business man.
After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. William Person lived at Liberty
Mills for several years and then moved to Collamer in Whitley County,
where he established the first grocery store. Margaret Person was an
HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY 463
active member of the United Brethren Church. They had a family of
five sons and one daughter : Charles, of Bourbon, Indiana ; Edward,
of Atwood ; Benjamin, of Bourbon ; Sarah, wife of Frank Henderson,
of Warsaw; William S. ; and Rollie E., of North Dakota.
William S. Person grew up on the farm where he still lives and
acquired an education in the district schools, attending school in the
winter and working on the farm in the summer. After leaving school
he took employment with a neighboring farmer and spent six years in
his service.
In November, 1894, he married Miss Ida Mangus. She was born
in St. Joseph County, Indiana, and was educated in the common
schools of Kosciusko County, where her parents located when she was
a small girl. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Person engaged in
farming, and now have a place of fine improvements comprising sev-
enty-five acres. Mr. Person is a successful stock raiser and has a
number of graded Durham cattle.
Mr. and Mrs. Person are the parents of four sons and one daugh-
ter: Hershel, a graduate of the common schools, is now with the
American Armies in France ; Hobard also finished the common school
course and lives at Fort Wayne. Harley lives at home. Emma is a
senior in high school, and the youngest, William, was born in 1913.
Mr. Person is affiliated with Atwood Lodge No. 493, Independent Or-
der of Odd Fellows, of which he is the present Noble Grand. He is a
republican in politics and has been one of the active leaders in local
politics for a number of years. For fourteen years he served as su-
pervisor, and in 1914 was elected township trustee, beginning his
duties in January, 1915.
S. B. Iden. Probably the only bank in the State of Indiana that
is owned and managed from president to assistant cashier by one fam-
ily is the Etna Bank at Etna Green. All the offices in this institution
are held by persons named Iden. S. B. Iden is president, Mrs. S. B.
Iden is vice president, the cashier is their daughter Altha M., the two
assistant cashiers are also other daughters, Mary A. and Amy J. The
Etna Bank was established in 1900, and supplies the only banking fa-
cilities of the town of Etna Green. It has a capital of $20,000, sur-
plus of $10,000, and a recent statement indicates that its deposits ag-
gregate more than $300,000. all of which is a most creditable showing
for a country bank, and indicates the confidence the people of that
part of Kosciusko County have in the personnel of its management
and ownership.
Mr. Iden has been a resident of Kosciusko County since early
childhood. He was born in Carroll County, Ohio, May 21, 1860, "a
son of Washington and Eliza (Heston) Iden, and a grandson of
George Iden. Both his parents were born in Carroll County, Ohio,
Washington Iden in 1815 and his mother in 1818. They were reared
and married in that county, lived on a farm there for" a number of
years, and in 1864 brought their family to Etna Township of Kos-
ciusko County and established a new home on a farm north of Etna
Green. Washington Iden was one of the most capable fanners of his
464 HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY
time. He was as progi-essive and ready to adopt new ideas as he was
diligent and capable in routine affairs. He is credited with having
introduced into this part of Kosciusko Countj- the tii-st Poland China
hogs and the first Durham cattle. At one time he was president of
the Bourbon Fair in Marshall County. His name also appears on
some of the older official lists of the township. For a number of years
he was township assessor. He began voting as a whig, and east a
ballot for General William Henry Harrison. Later he was equally
active in the republican party. He and his wife were members of
the Christian Chiirch. They were the parents of eleven children, and
seven are still living. The father died in 1903. The son Thomas J.
lives in Iowa, while John, William A., L. A., Florence and S. B. are
all residents of Etna Township. Mary C. is married and lives in New
Mexico.
S. B. Iden was four years old when brought to Kosciusko County,
and here he attended the district schools of his home to^vnship, also
the schools at Warsaw, and early qualified for work as a teacher. For
ten yeai-s he taught school in different parts of the county, and after
giving up that vocation took up the business of stock buying. Since
the establishment of the Etna Bank he has concentrated his principal
time and energies upon its management, and in 1910 erected the sub-
stantial building in which the bank has its home.
Mr. Iden lived at home with his parents until he was thirty
years of age. February 15, 1891. he married ]Miss Viola Yeiter. She
was born in Prairie Township of this county, was well educated, and
had also taught school before her marriage. They have three daugh-
ters: Altha May, who is a graduate of the Etna Green High School
and is cashier of the bank ; Mary Avis, who is a high school graduate
and also attended the State University three years; and Amy J., who
graduated from the local high school with the class of 19i8 and is
attending the State Univei-sity. The family are membei-s of the
Christian Church and ilr. Iden is one of the church trustees. He is
a loyal republican in politics, and served one term as trustee of Etna
Township, and for about ten years has been a member of the County
Council.
Forrest Knepper has a number of interests to occupy his time
and energies. He is the present trustee of Etna Township, has lived
in that community for a number of years and gained a reputation as
a farmer and stock man, and is one of Kosciusko County 's best kno«ni
republican leaders.
He was born in Whitley County, Indiana, Jime 4, 1873, a son of
Lewis and Matilda (Sevits) Knepper. His parents were both bom
in Ohio, and their respective families moved to Indiana when they
were young. After their marriage they settled on a farm in Whitley
County, but in 1888 moved to Kosciusko County and had their home
in Etna TowTiship until October, 1917, when they moved to another
farm in Tippecanoe To^vnship of Marshall County. They are still
active and have a host of friends in Kosciusko Coimty. They are
members of the Christian Church and Lewis Knepper is a democrat.
HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY 465
They had four children. Iva is the wife of Edwin Gay, of Etna
Township. Dora died at the age of sixteen and Homer died when
twelve years old.
Forrest Knepper was fifteen jears old when the family eame to
Kosciusko County, and he grew to manhood on the farm in Etna
Township. He acquired a good education, at first in the common
schools, later in the North Manchester College, and after a normal
course began teaching at the age of eighteen. For six years teaching
was his chief occupation. He had also acquired by experience a thor-
ough knowledge of fanning, and for ten j^ears he worked with an ele-
vator company at Warsaw, Indiana.
April 4, 1898, Mr. Knepper married Miss Lucy Towns. She was
born in Marshall County, Indiana, and is a graduate of the common
schools. Mr. and Mrs. Knepper have three childi-en, Lucile, Robert
and Lyudon. Lucile is a graduate of the Etna Green High School,
attended the Winona School, and is now a teacher in Etna Township.
Robert is a graduate of the common and high schools and spent one
year in the State University. Lyndon is attending high school at
Etna Green.
The family are members of the Christian Church, and Mr. Knep-
per is one of its deacons. He is affiliated with the Modern Woodmen
of America and is a republican in politics. He has served as a mem-
ber of the county central committee and in his present office as town-
ship trustee is carefully looking after the welfare of the schools and
highways, and all the other routine business connected with his
office. Mr. Knepper has a good farm of 120 acres, and also rents 160
acres. All this land is devoted to pasturing and the raising of grain
crops, and he is one of the shippers of livestock out of the county. .
Chakles C. Johnson has figured prominently in the business af-
fairs and citizenship of Etna Green and Etna Township for many
years. His present work in relationship to the community is as gen-
eral farmer and stock raiser, his home being a quarter of a mile east
of Etna Green.
Mr. Johnson was bom in Stark County, Ohio, August 6, 1862, a
son of Daniel and Jane (Brush) John.son. His father was born in
Pennsylvania September 14, 1837, and his mother in New York state
April 10, 1836. Both are still living and both are past the age of
eighty years. They grew up from childhood in Stark County, were
married there, and in 1874 moved to Kosciusko County and located
south of Etna Green. They continued to live in that farming com-
munity until 1892, when they moved into the village of Etna Green,
where they are still living. Daniel Joknson owns 194 acres of well
cultivated land in Etna Township. He is a republican voter and a
member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. There were four chil-
dren in the family: Florence M., wife of Douglas Senour; Charles
C. ; Oscar A., who married Lulu Shenefield and lives south of Etna
Green ; and Daniel C, who died in fancy.
Mr. Charles C. Johnson grew up on the old farm and obtained a
466 HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY
good education in the local schools. He worked on the farm and
lived with his parents to the age of twenty-two.
December 9, 1887, he married Miss Cora A. Catell, who was born
in Kosciusko County, June 2, 1865, daughter of Joseph B. and Alice
(Garwood) Catell. Mrs. Johnson has spent practically all her life
in Kosciusko County. After their marriage they farmed his father's
farm two years, then lived on Mi's. Johnson's father's farm for a
year and another year on the Senour farm. After this experience as a
practical agriculturist Mr. Johnson went to Etna Green and became
identified with the company as a partner operating the local flour
milling industry, elevator and lumber yard. He was a factor in that
business for seven years, at the end of which time he sold out his
interests and resumed farming, though he made his home in the vil-
lage for three years longer. He moved to his present farm in 1901.
Mr. and Mrs. Johnson have two children; Ethel J. is a graduate
of the Etna Green High School, and is still at home. Charles H. was
born November 5, 1905, and is still a school boy. The familj^ are
members of the Methodist Episcopal Church and Mr. Johnson is on
its official board. Politically he is a republican.
Charles A. Kintzel. The people of Kosciusko County know
Charles A. Kintzel particularly for his very efficient service as sherifl:
of the county, and many remember the fact that he was at the time of
his election the j'oungest sheriff the county ever had. Aside from
his activity in public affairs he has for many years been one of the
successful and progressive farmers of Etna Township, and since
leaving the court house has resumed farming on his place three-
quarters of a mile north of Etna Green.
Mr. Kintzel was born in Prairie Township, February 15, 1871, a
son of Christian and Mary (Anglin) Kintzel. While he is of Ger-
man ancestry, his people have been Americans for more than a cen-
tury, in fact since the colonial period in Pennsylvania.
David Kintzel, grandfather of Charles A., was a tanner by trade
and owned and operated two tanneries in Pennsylvania. He mar-
ried ]\Iary Rathfang. and they had ten children, including Christian
Kintzel, father of Charles A. In 1865 David Kintzel brought his
family to Kosciusko County. Christian Kintzel was born near Har-
risburg, Pennsylvania, in 1848, and was still a youth when the family
came to Kosciusko County. He grew up in Prairie Township, and
after his marriage moved to Etna Township, southeast of Etna
Green, and that locality is still his home. He is a republican in poli-
tics. His first wife died in February, 1871, her only child being
Charles A. Kintzel.
Charles A. Kintzel grew up on his father's farm, but was reared
principally in the home of his grandparents and uncles. He had a
common school education, and on January 3, 1891, he married Minnie
B. Silvius. She was born in Etna Township March 3, 1873, daughter
of Jacob and Emma (Hershner) Silvius. After their marriage Mr.
and Mrs. Kintzel lived for a time on the Silvius farm, and then
moved to another place, which they occupied for a time, following
HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY 467
which they bought the eighty acres where they still reside. Mr. Kiut-
zel gave all his time to his farming and stock raising until elected to
the oiSee of sheriff in 1910. His tenn of service ran until January
1, 1915, at which time he returned to the fann.
Mr. and Mrs. Kintzel have one daughter, Erma C, born October
2, 1899, and now a student in the Indiana Central University at In-
dianapolis, specializing in music. The family are members of the
United Brethren Church. Mr. Kintzel is affiliated with the Warsaw
Lodge of Odd Fellows, and is a republican, and lias served as county
chairman of his party.
G. A. McClure. Kosciusko County has few large farms in the
sense of states further west, and the possession of a section of land
here gives its owner special distinction. During the past seventy or
eighty years some of the largest and choicest tracts of fann land
in the county have been owned by the McClures. One of this fam-
ily is G. A. McClure, widely known as proprietor of the Bonnie
Brae's Stock Farm, consisting of 600 acres, located three miles west
of Silver Lake in Seward Township.
Before further mention of Mr. McClure and his activities it is
proper to take up the career of his honored father, the late Elias
McClure, whose experiences furnish material for almost a chapter
of valuable history of this locality.
Elias McClure was born in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, Jan-
ary 18, 1813, a son of Samuel and Eliza (Edwards) McClure, the
former a native of Ireland and the latter of Scotland. After the
death of Samuel McClure the widowed mother took her two sons,
Elias and Robert E., to Ontario County, New York, and there she
married a second husband. Largely on account of the early death
of his father Elias McClure became dependent upon his own re-
sources when a very small boy. He worked on a farm at $3 a month,
and when this wage was increased to $14 it was the highest sum paid
in that locality for farm labor. In the meantime he gained his edu-
cation by the most strenuous efforts and self denial. While attend-
ing district schools he did chores for his board, these chores includ-
ing the milking of 12 cows, the feeding of 150 head of cattle and
attending to several teams night and morning. At the age of four-
teen he had become a capitalist. He loaned his employer $102, and
soon afterwards experienced a sample of ingratitude when, hav-
ing met with an accident and broken both his legs, he was thrown
upon the care of the town, since his employer failed to repay the
loan. He gradually worked back and accumulated several hundred
dollars.
Elias JlcClure first came to Kosciusko County in 1837, and en-
tered 440 acres. This land was chiefly in Seward Township. Three
months later he went to Michigan and from there returned to New
York and spent one year as a student in an academy. He was well
educated, and taught school several winter terms, working on farms
during the summer.
In 1840 Elias McClure married Miss Mary Freeman, who was
468 HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY
l>orn at Rochester, New York, when that citj' contained only three
houses. Her birth occurred September 30, 1822. After his mar-
riage Elias IMcClure rented a farm for four years, but in 1844
brought his wife and two sons, Andrew E. and Gideon C, to Kos-
ciusko County, and they followed the lake and river route as far as
Wabash and from there attempted to come overland with wagon
and team. The roads were in a deplorable condition, and both he
and his wife walked most of the way, carrying a child, and for miles
they were in mud and water up to their knees. They spent one
night at the home of a settler, and such was the scarcity of money
in those days Elias McClure did not have enough to pay the nominal
sum of 25 cents charged for his lodging. But he kept the debt in
mind and promptly paid it some weeks later when he met his enter-
tainer at a house raising. Arriving at his own land in section 3 of
Seward To^vnship, Elias McClure erected a simple log cabin, which
at fii-st contained neither dooi-s nor windows. "With various modi-
fications and improvements this house sheltered the family for
twenty-three years. Not a little pj-ejudiee existed again.st Elias Mc-
Clure because he was a Yankee, and some of the neighbors expressed
themselves as sorry that a lazy Yankee had come into the community
instead of a good honest Dutchman. The first team he ever had
consisted of a yoke of cattle and when one of the steers died this
prejudice against the Yankee found expression, and it was diffi-
cult for him to get credit for another animal. But in the coui-se
of years this prejudice died down because he was not only extremely
industrious but was honest and scrupulous to the la.st penny. His
hard work rapidly broadened the area of cultivation surrounding
his pioneer home, and his increasing prosperity enabled him to ac-
cumulate land until at one time he was the owner of 3,000 acres.
In 1867 he moved his family across the road from the old log house
into a commodious and comfortable frame building. While he was
always extremely adverse to holding any political office, he was
devoted to the welfare of the locality and its moral and religious
advancement. For a number of terms he served as trustee of Se-
ward Township.
At the time of his death, January 1, 1906, Elias McClure was
one of the oldest men in Kosciusko County. He lacked only seven
years in reaching the century mark in life. His good wife passed
away January 20, 1892. They had a large family of children named
Andrew E.. Gideon C, Phoebe E., Emma A., Mary, Gain A.. Alma
and Pluuket. Both Andrew and Gideon were soldiers of the Union
armj- and were captured. Andrew returned home, but Gideon was
practically starved to death while a prisoner at Anderson\'ille.
It was in the old log home of his father in section 3 of Seward
Township that G. A. IMcClure was bom October 4. 1858. Of his
lirothei-s and sistei-s only two are now living, Phoebe, wife of F. M.
Jacques, of Lake Township, and Alma, wife of Levi Yount, of Se-
ward Township.
Mr. McClure grew up on the home farm, and besides the dis-
trict schools spent three years in high school. He has always been
HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY 469
identified with farming and stock raising, and usually on a large
scale. He is well known as a breeder of Polled Durham and Short-
horn cattle, and the stock that grows to maturity on his farm com-
mands a ready sale, not only at the commercial markets but with
the farmers and stock men who desire such blood for breeding pur-
poses Mr. McClure is a stanch republican, and was trustee of Se-
ward Township in 1903-04. His splendidly adapted farm of 600
acres is all in one body, and its improvements and facilities are of
the very best. He and" his wife are members of the United Brethren
Mr. MeClure married Zadie V. Light, daughter of Peter S. and
.lerusha (Garvin) Light. Mrs. McClure 's maternal grandfather,
James Garvin, came to Seward Township in 1835, and Jerusha Gar-
vin was the first white child born in that township. Her birth
occurred September 30, 1839. Jerusha Garvin and Peter S. Light
were married November 12, 18.57. Of their four children only two
are now living, Mrs. MeClure and Minerva J., of Peru, Indiana.
James Garvin became a prominent man in this county, was a repre-
sentative in the Legislature during 1849-50 and was a leader in the
democratic partv. Mr. and Mrs. Garvin were very religious people,
belonging to the Baptist Church, and in early days opened their house
for woi-ship until the people were able to erect churches.
Joseph W. Light, an old and respected pioneer of Kosciusko County,
was born in Virginia, August 25, 1803. He with his parents came to
Ohio in mere childhood and there he grew to manhood. He was
married, September 24, 1829, to Martha Dunn, a native of Ohio, born
in 1808. To this union were born seven children : Rachel, Simraion,
Peter S., Ruben, Virginia and America (twins), and one child that
died in infancy. Virginia, now Mrs. William Banning of Marion,
Michigan, is tlie only one of the family living. Mr. Light with his
family moved to Kosciusko County, Indiana, in 1843, and bought 320
acres of land in Tippecanoe Township.
Having learned the carpenter trade in his youth and not liking
agricultural work he followed his profession. He was a master me-
chanic of his day and could make anything in wood and was called
all over the couiitv to build the better houses. He and his wife were
members of the Baptist Church at Oswego and he was a deacon in
the church. He was a stanch republican and filled at different times
some minor offices. He was a lover of his country and named his
twins after his native state and country.
Martha Light, his wife, departed this life November 17, 1865, and
he died January 12, 1880.
Mr. and Mrs. McClure have one daughter, Theressa, born Febru-
ary 28, 1890, and a graduate of St. Mary of the Woods near Terre
Haute. She is now the wife of George Davis of Philadelphia. Be-
sides their own daughter Mr. and Mrs. McClure reared an adopted
daughter, Mabel L. Sailors, from the age of nine years. She is
also a gi-aduate of St. Mary of the Woods and of the local high
school and is now a student of the State University of Indiana.
470 HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY
Joseph M. Gaskild, of Etna Township, has done much to train
and educate the boys and girls of this county and those of other sec-
tions of the state. He has been almost a lifeloiig teacher, and quali-
fied for that profession after a youth in which he was denied many
of the advantages of school. Mr. Gaskill is also a fanner, and has
a well improved place of eighty acres a mile east and four miles north
of Etna Green.
He was born at an old log house that is still standing on his farm
on March 22, 1860, a son of John P. and Anna (Shively) Gaskill.
His parents were both born in Stark County, Ohio, his father Febi-u-
ary 29, 1820, and his mother :\Iay 19, 1829. His father died March
10, 1879, at the age of fifty-nine, and his mother on October 10, 1913,
aged eighty-five. After their marriage in Stark County they lived
for a time in Williams County, Ohio, then went to Marshall County,
Indiana, and in 1850 located on the land now owned by their son
in Etna Township. The mother was an active member of the Dunk-
ard Church, while the father was of Quaker faith. His name appears
on the official list of the to\raship as a trustee. A brief record of
the children is as follows: Charles W. , a farmer in Kosciusko
County; Priscilla, widow of William Huffer, living northwest of
Plymouth; Isaac C, a twin, and one died in infancj^; Joseph M. ;
John M., who died at the age of four years; and Hannah L.
Joseph iM. Gaskill grew up on the home farm, and until he was
seventeen j'ears of age had most limited privileges even in the district
schools. Most of his education he acquired out of a spelling book,
and in that branch of the literary art became so proficient that in
spelling schools far and near he became recognized as one of the
most redoubtable performers. Later he secured books, read and
studied at home, and at the age of nineteen began applying his
meager resources to a higher education. He secured a license to
teach school, and in the interv-als of teaching attended Valparaiso
University a number of terms and also the Plymouth Normal. There
has been practically no year in the past thirty when he has not
taught part of the time. For nine years he was principal of the
Etna Green schools, taught thirty-five years in the country schools
of Etna Township, and has also taught in ^larshall Countv.
July 5, 1888. Mr. Gaskill married :\Iyrtle Leffel. She "was bom
near Etna Green, ^March 29, 1868, a daughter of Joseph and Eliza-
beth (Baker) Leffel. Mrs. Gaskill attended public schools at Etna
Green when ilr. Gaskill was her teacher. Their only child died in
infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Gaskill are members of the Christian Church
at Etna Green. Mr. Gaskill is a Past Noble Grand of the Independ-
ent Order of Odd Fellows and was formerly identified with the
Encampment. In politics he is a republican. For a number of years
he held the office of justice of the peace and has served as president
of the Board of Trustees of Etna Green, and also treasurer and
secretary of the town corporation.
Noble W. Nepf is an able young veterinary surgeon living at
Milford Junction, and continues the work which was his father's
HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY 471
chosen vocation. The Neffs are an old and prominent family of
Kosciusko and Elkhart counties, and the name has been identified
with farming, the professional life and the ministry for several
generations. The Neff family came out of Virginia to Elkhart
County in pioneer times.
Noble W. Neff was born at Milford Junction, August 16, 1897,
a son of James and Mary J. (Miller) NefiE. His father wa.s bom
in Elkhart County, October 11, 1857, and died June 8, 1917. His
wife was born November 14, 1857. After their marriage they settled
on a farm in Elkhart County and later moved to a farm in Kosciusko
County, finally locating in Milford Junction. James Neff was an
excellent veterinarian as well as practical farmer, and extensive de-
mands were made upon his professional service for many years. He
was active in the Church of the Brethren. There were three children
in the family : Xoa, an invalid ; Grover C. and Noble W. Grover C.
Neff has made a name for himself in engineering circles. He grad-
uated from the Milford High School, and at Purdue University took
the classical courses leading up to the degrees of A. B. and M. A.,
and is also a graduate civil engineer. For a number of years he has
been general superintendent of the Southern Wisconsin Power Com-
pany at Portage, Wisconsin, one of the largest hydraulic enterprises
in that state. He married May Prehn, a graduate of the Portage
High School.
Noble W. Neff grew up at the old home at Milford Junction, was
educated in the grammar and high schools, and in 1918 received the
degree Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the Indiana Veterinary
College. He now carries on his practice and also superintends the
operation of a farm of eighty acres. He is unmarried and is a
member of the Church of the Brethren at Bethany.
Charles H. Petry. A tract of land owned and occupied by
Mr. Charles H. Petry well justifies its appropriate name as the
Golden Grain Farm. Mr. Petry understands the business of farm-
ing in every detail, gets maximum results, and takes pride in keeping
up his place not only as a means of greater production but also as
a contribution to the general appearance of the community. The
Golden Grain Farm is situated four miles south and a mile west of
Men tone in Franklin Township. Mr. Petry has 160 acres.
He was born in Richland County, Ohio, May 5, 1867. In Janu-
ary, 1868, his parents, Jacob and Mary J. (Soveland) Petry, the
former a native of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, and the latter
of Richland County, Ohio, moved to Kosciusko County and estab-
lished a home in Franklin Township. Their location was close to
Beaver Dam Lake, and Jacob Petry besides operating a farm also
conducted a sawmill for a number of years. He was a very success-
ful and highly prosperous man, and at the time of his death owned
231 acres. He and his wife are members of the Church of God, and
in politics he voted as a democrat. There were four children :
Charles H. ; Phianna, wife of Horace G. Thomas; Franklin, who
472 HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY
married Elvie East and lives at Lowell, Indiana; and John, who
married Nettie Myer and lives in Charles City, Iowa.
Charles H. Petrj' was eight months old when brought to Kosciusko
County, and he has always considered this his home.' He had about
the average experiences of an Indiana farm boy, attending school
in winter and helping in the fields in the sunimer. He lived at home
until his father's death. October 9, 1890, he married Miss Flora
Loehr, who was born in Harrison Township of this county.
After their marriage ilr. and Mrs. Petry continued to live at
the old Petry homestead near Beaver Dam, and while that farm was
under his management he did much to improve it, erecting a com-
modious brick house and living in it until December, 1914. At that
date he sold the old farm and bought his present place.
Mr. and Mrs. Petry have four children: Feme L., a graduate of
common and high schools, and has a successful record as a teacher;
Ruth and Reth, both graduates of the high school, the latter the wife
of Lester C. Rogers; and Charles G., who is a graduate of high
school and had the remarkable record of being neither absent nor
tardy during twelve years of school attendance. He is now connected
with the brass works at Elkhart. Mr. Peti-y is affiliated with the
Knights of Pythias Lodge at Akron, Indiana. He is one of the
influential workers in the democratic party in Franklin Township.
J. C. Grady is one of the men upon whom the nation can rely
when it comes to a matter of producing food stuffs in a time of crisis.
On his farm five miles southeast of Syracuse in Turkey Creek Towni-
ship he has the reputation of producing more corn and wheat to
the acre than any other man in that section. He has studied fanning,
has had a lifelong experience at it, and stopped at nothing short of
the very best returns and the maximum of efficiency. The raising
of staple crops is only part of his varied business. He buys and
feeds cattle and hogs in carload lots, and recently he sent to market
$9,500 worth of cattle. He has a farm of 184 acres, and he actually
runs the farm, instead of letting it run him.
Mr. Grady was born March 31, 1878, in this county, a son of
Isaac and Amanda (]\Iarkley) Grady. His parents are both natives
of Ohio. His mother came to this country with her parents when
eight years old, and the land acquired by the Markley family at
that time is part of the present Grady farm. Mr. Grady's parents
are now living at Goshen, Indiana. Both are active members of the
German Baptist Church and in politics the father is a prohibitionist.
There were three childi-en : J. C. ; Lauretta, a widow living at
Goshen ; and Chaimcey.
J. C. Grady was educated in the district schools, spent several
winters in the college at North Manchester, Indiana, and for the
past twenty years has applied the best of his talents and energies to
the task of farming. May 8, 1904, he married Miss Hattie Elder, a
native of Washington Township of Kosciusko County. They have
two sons. Glen, born in 1907, and Dean, born in 1912.
HISTORY OP KOSCIUSKO COUNTY 478
William B. Anglin, who for a number of years was a local
merchant, has successfully given his work and enterprise to a mod-
erate sized farm and has created therefrom most of the comforts and
plenty which the family enjoy. He is one of the residents of Prairie
Township and has served as trustee of that township.
Mr. Anglin was born in Etna Township of this county May 29,
1846, and is one of the oldest native born citizens of the county. He
is a son of Isaac and Catherine (Biggs) Anglin. His mother was
a native of Union County, Indiana, while his father was born in West
Vii-ginia, October 29, 1814. Isaac Anglin when a young unmarried
man came to Kosciusko County in 1836. He was one of the pioneers
of Etna Township. His wife came to the county at the age of twenty-
one, and after their marriage the.y located in Etna Township.
Catherine Anglin died ou that farm in 1857, and her husband con-
tinued to live there until 1871 and then moved to another locality,
where he had his home until his death in 1891. Of the five children
only two are now living, Elam H. and William B. The former is a
farmer three-quarters of a mile from Crumett in Prairie Township.
Isaac Anglin is remembered as one of the stalwart citizens of the
early days in Kosciusko County. He was a loyal member of the
Methodist Church, a democrat in politics, and served at one time as
.iustice of the peace and township trustee.
William B. Anglin grew up on the home farm in Etna Township
was educated in the district schools and also in the Normal School
at Valparaiso. Qualifying as a teacher, he followed that profession
in the county for eight terms. Later he took up fanning, and eventu-
ally located at Angleton, where he conducted a general store for
twenty years, and during eleven years of that time was the local
postmaster. In the meantime he was developing a farm, and now
resides on a good place of 100 acres, the active operation of which
is in the hands of his son.
Mr. Anglin has had six children : Clarence, deceased ; Gertrude,
Mho was a teacher for nine yeai's and is now the wife of E. H. Smith,
of Prairie Township ; Grace, deceased ; ^Mabel, formerly a teacher,
now living in Hancock County, Ohio; Ethel, a graduate of the com-
mon .schools and wife of A. D. Holaway, of Chicago ; and Washington
I., who was a graduate of the common schools, spent one term at
Purdue University, and by his marriage to Grace Kitch has six
sturdy young boys, this family living on the old homestead. Mr.
Anglin is an active member, trustee and deacon of the Christian
Church. He served six years as trustee of Prairie Township and
was electa! on the democratic ticket by a margin of nine votes in a
locality normally republican by thirty-.
Hiram B. Ferverda has been a resident of Kasciusko County a
quarter of a century, grew uo in Indiana from early boyhood, and
had many hardships and difficulties to contend with in his earlier
days. Industry and a determined ambition have lirought him an
enviable station in life, and among other interests he is now vice
474 HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY
president of the People's Bank at Leesburg and owns some of the
fine farming land in the county.
Mr. Ferverda was bom in Holland September 21, 1854, son of
Banka and Gertrude D. (Young) Ferverda. His parents were also
natives of Holland, married there, and the mother died in Holland
leaving two sons, Henry and Hiram B. The father was a man of
excellent education and very talented as a musician and in other
pui-suits. He taught music. After the death of his first wife he
again married and had two daughters by the second wife. He brought
his family to the United States and located in Union Township of
Elkhart County, Indiana, where he spent the rest of his life. He
was a member of the Lutheran Church in Holland.
Hiram B. Ferverda was thirteen j^ears old when his father eame
to Elkhart County. He had begun his education in his native country
and finished in the public schools of Elkhart County. The family
were poor and he lived at home and gave most of the wages earned
by farm work to the support of the family until he was nearly twenty-
one yeai-s old.
Mr. Ferverda married Evaline Miller, who was bom in Elkhart
County, Indiana, March 29, 1857, daughter of John D. and Margaret
(Lentz) Miller. Her parents were both natives of America and her
maternal grandparents were born in Germany.
After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Ferverda moved to a farm
four miles west of New Paris, Indiana, and two years later, in 1893,
came to Kosciusko County and established their home on a farm
near Oswego. Mr. Ferverda bought 160 acres, and developed a
splendid farm. He yet owns the farm, but since March, 1909, has
lived in Le&sburg.
Mr. and Mrs. Ferverda have eleven children. Ira 0. is a grad-
uate of the common schools and was a student in the North Man-
chester College and beginning with the Spanish-American war saw
three years of active service in the American army as quartermaster
sergeant. He now lives at Oswego. Edith E. is a gi'aduate of the
common schools and is the wife of Thomas Dye, of Plain Township.
Irvin G. is a farmer in Plain Township. John W. is a high school
graduate and is engaged in the hardware business at Silver Lake,
Indiana. Gertrude E., a graduate of high school, married Lewis
Hartman. Chloc E. is a gi-aduate of high school and the wife of
Rollin V. Robinson. Ray E., a graduate of high school, is a farmer
in Van Buren Township. Roscoe H. is a graduate of high school
and is now serving as a train despatcher with the Southern Pacific
Railroad. George likewise completed his education in high school
and is in the army. Donald, who attended school twelve years and
in all that time never missed a day nor was tardy, now in the United
States service at Jefferson Barracks, Missouri. ]\Iargaret is a high
school student. The family are members of the Church of the Breth-
ren and Mr. Ferverda is a republican. He was at one time captain
of the local Horse Thief Detective Association, and is now inspector
of the streets of Leesburg.
HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY 475
William R. Hall is a prosperous farmer of Prairie Township,
and owns land which, a part of it at least, has been in the possession
of the Hall family through three generations.
He is a grandson of Samuel and Catherine (Anglin) Hall, who
were natives of Virginia and of English and Irish ancestry. They
were man-ied in 1822 and in the fall of 1834 Samuel Hall left
Virginia and settled with his family in Plain Township of Kosciusko
County. There he experienced many of the trials and hardships of
the real pioneer, and had Indians as his neighbors. As soon as this
was legally pos-sible in 1835 he entered land, including 320 acres,
which under his management and by the joint labors of himself and
sons came into a high state of cultivation. He filled many public
offices, being justice of the peace and was also an associate judge and
for one tenn state senator. He died in 1857, at the age of fifty-five,
and his widow passed away in 1882, at the advanced age of eighty-
three. In their family of eight children the next to the youngest
was Joel Hall, who was born October 18, 1839, in Prairie Township,
and spent a long and useful life there as a farmer. Joel Hall mar-
ried Mary Roberts, and they were the parents of the following
children : Alma, wife of Amos Beyer ; Eva, wife of Rev. Prank
Beyers ; Phoda, widow of Eugene Coleman ; William R. ; and Cyrus,
who is president of the People's Bank of Leesburg.
William R. Hall was born on the old homestead in Prairie Town-
ship, November 13, 1878, and from early youth to the present time
has identified his energies and activities with farming. He now owns
two well arranged and valuable places, one of 200 acres and another
of 160 acres, all in Prairie Township. He is successfully engaged in
the breeding of Poland China hogs and other good livestock. He is
also interested in a manufacturing company at Warsaw.
Mr. Hall married Mary Gilliam, daughter of William W. Gilliam.
She was reared on the old Gilliam farm northea.st of Warsaw in
Wayne Township. They have one son, Robert, born June 25, 1907.
Mr. and Mrs. Hall are members of the United Brethren Church, arid
in polities he is a democrat. Mr. Hall is now a resident of Warsaw,
but looks after his farming
David Jeffries, of Franklin Township, has had an enviable and
useful and altogether happy life. In his time he has been a very
hard worker, and that is a characteristic of the entire famil.y. He
has produced fifty or more crops from his fields, and if the livestock
he has raised were assembled it would it would be sufficient to feed
a large army for several days at least. Mr. Jeffries has done his duty
as he went along, has kept a good home, kept his obligations to his
fellow men, has reared a family of noble sons and daughters, and at
the age of seventy not only has his own children around him but
grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Mr. Jeffries' farm is two and three-quarters miles south of Men-
tone. This is the old Jeffries homestead, comprising 313 acres, and
it was there he was born July 25, 1848, son of Pierce and Mary
(Shrack) Jeffries. His father was born in Pennsylvania, April 8,
476 HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY
1818, and his mother ou May 9, 1818. Pierce Jeffries died January
7, 1893, and his wife January 18, 1892, both having lived nearly
seventy-five j-ears. They g^-ew up in Ohio and after their marriage
in that state came to Indiana and located in Kosciusko County.
Pierce Jeffi-ies paid four hundred dollars for 160 acres of land. He
prospected over Kosciusko County on hoi-seback, and brought his
family to the country in a covered wagon. The last 2l^ miles of his
journey he had to cut a road through the trees and brush. All his
laud was covered with a heavy growth of timber and the clearing
away of that obstacle to cultivation constituted several years of his
early toil. A space even had to be cleared among the woods to erect
his first log cabin. Pierce Jeffries was a brick layer by trade. Some
time after coming to Kosciusko County he was given the opportunity
of a job as a brick layer at Warsaw. That was the first piece of
brick construction in the city and he wa.s paid 6214 cents a day for
his skill and labor. Warsaw was fourteen miles from his home, and
as long as the work lasted he set out from home very early ^londay
morning, walked to Warsaw, stayed there during the week, and then
walked home Saturday night in order to spend the Sunday with his
family. Late in life he sold his old homestead to his son David, lived
in Sevastopol until after the death of his wife, and his own last
years were spent at ]Mentone. He had increased his original 160
acres until he had 280 acres. Pierce Jeffries was a Baptist, and the
church of that denomination in his community had many evidences
of his liberality and interests. He was also a republican voter. A
man of education, he taught some of the early schools of Franklin
Towu.ship. Of the six children of Pierce Jeffries, David is the only
survivor. The othei's were: Margaret, bom November 10, 1841;
Martha A., born January 1, 1843; Amos, born May 2, 1844; Ruth,
born March 13, 1855; and Andrew, bom April 2*9, 1860. All of
them grew up and married.
David Jeffries was reared on the old farm, attended the common
schools, and on January 10, 1868, at the age of twenty, married Miss
Catherine Engle. She was born in Ohio, May 31. 1849, and was
brought to Kosciusko County when eight years old. Her parents
located in Franklin Township, where she gi-ew up.
After their marriage ilr. and Mrs. Jeffries lived on the old home-
stead, and built a log house on an eighty aeres of that farm. They
finally bought the old place and are now living on the spot where
Mr. Jeffries was bom. Mr. Jeffries has done much in the breeding
and raising of good livestock, and his farm is now the home of some
big tjTJe Poland China hogs. He and his wife are members of the
Baptist Church of Sevastopol and in politics he votes as a republican.
Mr. and Mi-s. Jeffries had nine children: Emma, wife of William
Smith; Rosa, wife of Lemuel Woods; Sarah, wife of David Jenkins;
Mary, who man-ied Nathan Dawson; Oliver, who married Delia
Green ; Isaac, who married Goldie Mclntire. The other children are
deceased. All of them were given good school advantages. Mr. and
Mrs. Jeffries have forty-five grandchildren and thirteen great-grand-
children.
HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY 477
John C. Ritchison represents the agricultural activities of Kos-
ciusko County, and is doing an extensive business as a producer of
crops and livestock on a fine farm of 200 acres in Tippecanoe Town-
ship, on rural route No. 1 out of Leesburg.
Mr. Ritchison has spent most of his life in this country. He was
born in Greene Coimty, Ohio, December 17, 1868, son of Milo A.
and Maiy (Weade) Ritchison. His mother was a native of Sparta
Township of Noble County, Indiana, while his father was an Ohio
man by birth. Milo Ritcliison was a soldier in the Civil war, going
out with an Ohio regiment and serving until peace came to the
couuti-y. After the war he married in Noble County, Indiana, lived
for several years near Wolf Lake, then went back to Greene County,
Ohio, but soon bought a farm near Albion in Noble County, Indiana.
In 1881 the Ritchison family came to Tippecanoe Township of
Kosciusko County, and the father then bought the 200 acres of land
where his son now resides. Milo Ritchison died here March 29, 1893.
Both parents were members of the Christian Church.
John C. Ritchison, only son of his parents, was fifteen years old
when he came to his present home. He was educated chiefly in the
common schools of Noble County. From youth up he has become
familiar by experience and training with the handling of the farm
that he now owns and has made it the center of a most useful and
profitable career. In 1900 he married Miss Emma Scarlett, who was
bom near Benton, Indiana, and was educated in the schools of New
Paris, this state. Mr. and Mrs. Ritchison have one daughter, Erma
B., a graduate of the common schools and now the wife of Howard
Brockman of North "Webster. Mrs. Ritchison is a member of the
Evangelical Church at New Paris. In politics Mr. Ritchison is a
republican, as was his father.
Lewis E. Sheoyer. To a profession and calling that is now
exalted above all others Lewis E. Shroyer has given his best energies
and study for over a quarter of a century. He was born on a farm,
and while he made his independent start with modest capital he has
built up and accumulated one of the valuable places of Plain Town-
ship. The Shroyer home is 6i4 miles northeast of "Warsaw.
Mr. Shroyer was bom in Plain Township, October 27, 1867, a son
of Daniel and Matilda (Huffman) Shroyer, the former a native of
Ohio and the latter of Indiana. Daniel Shroyer came to Indiana
with his parents, George and Sarah Shroyer, who first settled in
Elkhart County. George Shroyer died in Kosciusko County in 1880.
Daniel married in Kosciusko County, and lived here to rear his
family. He and his wife were very active in the Methodist Episcopal
Church, but he was also liberal in his support of all church causes.
In politics he was a democrat. Daniel Shroyer and wife had eight
children, four of whom are living: "William, of Plain Township,
Lewis E., Luella, wife of Frank S. "Wilcox, on the old Shroyer home-
stead in Plain Township ; and Charles, a graduate of the pharmacy
department of Purdue University and now in the drug business at
478 HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY
Warsaw. The four deceased children were Sarah E., Hiram H.,
John and one that died in infancy.
Lewis E. Shroyer grew up on the old farm and after his schooling
remained at home to the age of twenty-three. On January 8, 1890,
he married Lillie Mackenson, daughter of Andrew Mackenson and
granddaughter of John Mackenson, who was one of the honored
pioneers of Kosciusko County.
After his marriage Mr. and Mrs. Shroyer lived on the old home-
stead for several years, but in 1894 established a home of his own by
the purchase of forty acres. This has grown by subsequent additions
until it now comprises a tine and well arranged farm of 120 acres,
devoted to the staple crops of this region and to good grades of
livestock.
Mr. and Mrs. Shroyer have one son and three grandchildren.
The son, Carl L.. was bom October 8, 1891, and is now a telegraph
operator with the Missouri Pacific Railway. Carl married Julia
Robert, who died leaving three children, Robert, Lyman and Lillian.
Mrs. Shroyer is an active member of the Methodist Episcopal
Church. Mr. Shroyer has long maintained active relations with the
Masonic Order and has gone both the York and Scottish routes, with
membership in Warsaw Lodge No. 73, Ancient Free and Accepted
Masons, Royal Arch Chapter, the Council, Royal and Select Masters,
the Knight Templar Commandery at Warsaw, and the Fort Wayne
Consistory of the Scottish Rite. He is also a member of the Eagles
at Warsaw. Mr. Shroyer is a republican and is now serving as a
member of the Township Advisory Board.
Frederick D. Irvine is a hardware merchant and well known
citizen of Syracuse and has spent most of his life in Kosciusko
County, where his family is an old and prominent one.
He was born in Prairie Township, September 1, 1879, a son of
Joseph A. and Rachel (McCleary) Irvine, the former a native of
Pennsylvania and the latter of Prairie Township. The grandfather,
James Irvine, came from Pennsylvania to Kosciusko Count.y manj^
years ago and located on a tract of land in Prairie Township. On
that farm Joseph A. Irvine grew to maturity, had a district school
education and was also trained for teaching in the National Normal
School at Lebanon, Ohio. Many of the older residents remember
gratefully his services as a teacher in different schools of the county.
After his marriage he farmed a short time, also teaching in the
winter, and finally locating at Leesburg engaged in the drug and
general merchandise business. With Frank Bortz and Joseph Hall
he organized the People's Bank of Leesburg, and was its first cashier.
He continued active in this bank until he retired. He and his wife
are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church and he is affiliated
with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Knights of
Pythias, being a past grand of the latter order. In politics he votes
as a democrat. There are three sons in the family, Frederick D.
being the youngest. Garrett W., the oldest, was at one time associ-
ated with his father in business in Leesburg, later served as deputy
HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY 479
auditor of Kosciusko County, for a time was with Strouse Brothers
and is now at Detroit, Michigan, connected with the Union Trust
Company. Howard L., the other son, is in business at Elkhart with
the Sinclair Oil Company.
Frederick D. Irvine was five years old when the family moved to
Leesburg, and he grew up there, graduating from high school and
for three years was a student in the Indiana Medical College. He
entered the drug business at Leesburg, and for eleven years was also
connected with the Standard Oil Company. January 1, 1916, he
moved to Syracuse and has since succeeded in building up a large
business as a hardware merchant.
In 1904 Mr. Irvine married Ilah M. Brown, a native of Leesburg
and a daughter of A. H. Brown. She and Mr. Irvine were schoolmates
at Leesburg. They are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church
and Mr. Irvine is affiliated with the Masonic Order and in politics is
a republican.
Francis M. Jaques. A well rounded and complete life has been
that of Francis M. Jaques of Silver Lake. He was one of the youngest
volunteer soldiers of the Union army during the Civil war. That
constituted his first great experience in what has been otherwise an
uneventful career. More than half a century has passed since he
returned a youthful veteran from the army. In that time he ha-s
been a farmer, merchant, home-steader in Kansas for a time, and for
thirty years was identified with the business affairs of Silver Lake,
retiring about a dozen years ago to the management of his exten-
sive farming interests in that locality.
Though most of his life has been spent in this county, where
his people were early settlers, Mr. Jaques was born in Elkhart County,
four miles north of Gashen, March 8, 1846, a son of Jobn Morris
and Mary (Cox) Jaques. His grandfather, John Moses Jaquas, was
a native of France and on coming to the United States lived in New
York City and state for a time, and later moved to Ohio. John
Morris Jaques was bom in Ohio and married there Mary Cox, a
native of Virginia. Soon afterwards he located in Elkhart County
and during the '40s moved to Kosciusko County, near North Webster.
John M. Jaques was a California forty-niner and spent two years
on the gold coast. Otherwise he lived on his farm in Indiana, and
spent a useful and uneventful life. For fourteen months he was a
soldier in the Civil war. He began voting as a whig and later was
a stanch republican. He and his wife were zealous members of the
Methodist Episcopal Church. They had eight children, two of whom
died young. Those to grow up were Mary J., Oliver P., Ziprah E.,
Susan E. and Francis M. The onl.y other one now living is Susan,
widow of Reuben James and a resident of Kansas.
Francis M. Jaques was three years old when his parents moved
to Tippecanoe Township of Kosciusko County. He worked at home
and improved his mind in the local schools until he was a little past
his sixteenth birthday. Then, on June 9, 1862, he enlisted in (Com-
pany F' of the Twelfth Indiana Infantrj-. His sei-vice was for three
480 HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY
years and eight days. He was practically in every skirmish in
which his regiment engaged, and though twice slightly wounded was
never absent from the line of duty more than two or three days on
that account. He began his service with his regiment in Kentucky,
fighting at the battle of Richmond, was at Vicksburg, Jackson, and
later in those campaigns which are made vivid in American history
by the battles of Missionary Ridge, Resaca, Dallas, New Hope Church,
Kenesaw Mountain, Nickajack Creek, and the siege of Atlanta, where
he was on the battle line July 20, 21, 22 and 28, 1864. He was
also at Jonesboro, was with the army of Sherman on the march to
Savannah, fought at Griswoldville and Columbia in the march up
through the Carolinas, and participated in those final battles at
Bentonville and Raleigh. His regiment was almost under constant
fire during the 100 days' advance upon Atlanta. In 1863 Mr. Jaques
was promoted to corporal and held that rank at the time of his dis-
charge. He was with Sherman's army at the Grand Review in Wash-
ington and his company and Company A of the Twelfth Indiana
formed the first that led the review.
The three years after the war Mr. Jaques spent at Warsaw. He
was engaged in the teaming business. He had been at home five
months, returning from the army in June, when on November 27,
1865, he married Miss Phebe E. McClure. She was a daughter of
Elias and Mary A. McClure. Elias MeClure was an extensive land
owner, and to Mrs. Phebe Jaques a large portion of the farm now
owned by Mr. and Mrs. Jaques came by inheritance. In 1871
ilr. Jaques moved out to Kansas and entered a quarter section
of land, but remained there only two years. Coming back to
Kosciusko County in 1873 he engaged in grain dealing at Silver Lake,
in partnership with his brother-in-law A. T. S. Kist of Warsaw. In
1874 he bought the grocery stock of James O'Connell, but sold it
the next year, and in 1876 entered the general merchandise business
at Silver Lake. In 1882 he moved his stock of goods to Packerton,
but was there only eighteen months. In 1884 he set up as a mer-
chant at Burket, but sold that stock after six months. He was also
a lumber dealer, a mill operator, a hardware merchant, and finally
resumed general merchandising at Silver Lake. Reviewing his busi-
ness record in brief Mr. Jaques was an independent merchant for
twenty -eight years and sold goods as a clerk six years, and with the ex-
ception of two years at Packerton and Burket his entire business life
has been spent in Silver Lake. He finally retired from commercial
pursuits in 1906, and has since found abundant opportunity for the
exercise of all his energies in the management of a fine farm of 436
acres in Seward and Lake townships. He is also a stockholder in
the Commercial State Bank of Silver Lake.
Mr. Jaques is deservedly proud of his four children. The oldest.
Dr. Schuyler C, is now a prominent physician and surgeon in New
York City. Flora Mary is the wife of J. C. Cavender, a prominent
banker of Hobart, Indiana. E. McClure is an attorney practicing law
at New York Cit.y. Anna is the wife of Leroy W. Caldwell, of Clay
Township. All the children were born in Kosciusko County.
HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY 481
Mr. Jaqiies and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal
Church and he is one of the church trustees. He is affiliated with
and is past chancellor of Lake View Lodge No. 164, Knights of
Pj^thias, and has sat in the Grand Lodge. Politically he has been a
stanch and undeviatiug republican from the time of the Civil war.
In many waj'S he has been active in the party and during the '70s
he served as deputy sheriff under his brother, Oliver P. Jaques.
James A. Favs^ley. By his successful management James A.
Favvley is regarded as one of the ablest farmers of Kosciusko County.
He started with nothing, and from the position of a renter has im-
proved his condition until he is now proprietor of one of the fine rural
homesteads in the vicinity of Warsaw.
His birth occurred in Kosciusko County April 18, 1860. His
parents were Joseph and Maria (Guysinger) Fawley, both natives of
Ohio, whence they came when young to Indiana and were married
in this state and afterwards settled on a farm in Kosciusko County.
The grandfather of Mr. Fawley was Jacob Fawley, a native of Penn-
sylvania, whence he moved to Ohio, later to Indiana, and was one of
tiie early settlers in Kosciusko County, where he owned a place of
eighty acres. Joseph Fawley, the father, was also one of the hard
working and honored citizens of this section, and at his death left
an estate of ninety-two and a half acres of land. He and his wife were
the parents of fourteen children, and the eight still living are:
Delilah Rowe and Salome E. Harmon of Michawaka ; Ella Burwell
of Atwood, Charles Fawley of Michigan ; James A., Perry, Edward
and William Fawley, all farmers of this county. Mary J. Stoner of
Claypool died in July, 1918, the others in childhood. The parents
were active members of the Baptist Church and in politics the father
was a democrat. He gave patriotic service to his country during the
period of the Civil war, being for three months a member of the
Thirty-third Indiana Infantry.
James A. Fawley grew up in the country, received his education
in the common schools and from first to last his experiences have been
those of a progressive farmer. For seventeen years he rented land,
worked hard and denied himself many luxuries in order to get a start.
He finally was in a position to buy one hundred aiid twenty acres,
and that is the nucleus of his present fine homestead. He added after-
wards twenty-six and a half acres and still later a piece of forty acres.
In 1885 Mr. Fawley married Gertrude D. Huffer, who was also
born in Kosciusko County, a daughter of Rudolph Huffer, one of the
early settlers. To this marriage were born two children : Albion R.
and Chloe Pearl. On April 28, 1895, the wife of ilr. Fawley died,
leaving him the care of these two small children. The following
seven years were full of many discouragements and misfortunes.
He himself suffered a very severe case of typhoid fever, but through
this all he was ver.y fortunate in securing the services of a good house-
keeper, Mrs. Rebecca Hood, the bereft wife of John Hood, formerly
of Pennsylvania. She was as good a mother to the children as a
housekeeper to the home.
482 HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY
lu 1902 Mr. Fawley married Elizabeth Beber, daughter of Peter
Beber of Kosciusko County. The seventeen j^ears previous to her
marriage she had made her home with Owen S. Gaskill, a highly
respected and successful dealer in lumber and farming of Burkett.
Mr. Fawley was very anxious that his children obtain at least a
practicable education and always took much interest in their studies.
He was partially appeased in this when in 1904 both graduated from
the common schools and again in 1907 when both started teaching
school.
Albion R. taught two terms, then entered and graduated from a
business college at Fort Wayne before his marriage to Myrtle L.
Likens, of Fort Wayne in 1911. He is at present (1918) general
manager of a store for the Woolworth Company at Richmond, Indiana.
Chloe Pearl taught five terms of school before her marriage to
Heaven Cook in 1912. They live on their own farm of one hundred
and fifty-seven acres in Kosciusko County.
Mr. Fawley is always very active in church work, serving as Sun-
day School superintendent at Palestine and Cook's Chapel for more
than fifteen j'ears almost continuously, and was township president
of the Sunday School for several years. He is a member of the Meth-
odist Episcopal Church, and fraternally he is aiBliated with the
Woodmen of America, is a member of the Detective Association, and
in politics is a prohibitionist. As a farmer he has done much con-
structive woi'k on his place in the way of improvements and in working
out a satisfactory scheme for intensive cultivation. He raises large
crops of grain, and does mixed farming, keeping a number of horses,
cattle, sheep and hogs.
Amber D. Sands is owner of one of the good farms of Seward
Township, a half mile north of Yellow Creek Lake. But he is most
widely known throughout this section of the county as a practical
thresherman, and has been in that business for many years. He is
president of the County Threshers' Association, and also a member of
the Indiana Brotherhood of Threshers.
Mr. Sands was born in Seward Township, two miles west and
half a mile south of Silver Lake, May 27, 1869, son of Isaac N. and
Amanda M. (Troutman) Sands. His great-grandfather Sands was
a native of Ireland. Isaac N. Sands was born twelve miles south of
Harri.sburg, Pennsylvania. His wife was bom three miles from
Wooster, Wayne County, Ohio. Samuel Sands, the grandfather,
moved to Wayne County, Ohio, and Isaac grew up and married there.
He was a millwright by trade, and his occupation brought him to
Indiana, where he engaged in the milling and farming business. He
first settled near Silver Lake, sold his property there, and bought the
fann now owned by his son Amber D. His wife was an active mem-
ber of the Lutheran Church, and in politics he was a democrat. There
were four children, three of whom are still living : Amber D. : A. V.
Sands, a farmer in Northeastern Michigan ; and Winnie, wife of S. N.
Rickel, of Northeastern ^Michigan.
A. D. Sands grew up in Kosciusko County and was educated in the
HISTOKY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY 483
common schools. He married Miss Mary G. Miller. They started
housekeeping a mile south of Silver Lake, lived there one year, then
moved to the end of Mud Lake in Seward Township, and had their
home in that locality until 1906. In that year they moved to their
present place, their home farm constituting seventy acres, while thej'
own ninety acres near Mud Lake and eighty acres two miles east of the
home.
Mr. and Mrs. Sands have six living children : Otto A., Ethel F.,
Seta F., John I., Minnie A., and Lulu A., all of whom have received
good educational advantages in the district and high schools.
Mr. Sands is a past noble grand of the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows and a member of the Grand Lodge, is a past sachem of the
Improved Order of Red Men, and a member of the Loyal Order of
Moose. He is a democrat in politics and a stockholder in the Com-
mercial State Bank of Silver Lake, and a stockholder and vice presi-
dent of the Burket Equity Union or Farmers Elevator Company of
Burket, Indiana.
Benjamin Kantner. A fine farm, a good home and an excellent
family belong to Benjamin Kantner, one of the prominent residents
of Plain Township, on i-ui-al route No. 1 out of Leesburg.
Mr. Kantner came to Kosciusko County about fifteen years ago.
He was born in Auglaize County, Ohio, March 3, 1852, son of Martin
and Catherine (Beohdoldt) Kantner. His parents were both natives
of Pennsylvania. The Kantner family came originally from Holland.
Grandfather John Kantner was one of the pioneers of Auglaize
County, where he located in the wilderness in 1832. Martin Kantnei-
spent his life in that county as a farmer and was a member of the
Lutheran Church and a republican voter. He was the father of
fifteen children, all of whom grew to maturity except one daughter.
Three are still living, the two daughters being Elizabeth, widow of
Joseph Gagley of Auglaize County, and Hannah, wife of John Burden
of Auglaize County.
Benjamin Kantner grew to manhood on the old farm in Ohio, and
as a schoolboy attended school kept in a log cabin. He was at home
until twenty-one j'ears of age. April 13, 1873, he married Margaret
R. Shank, a native of Franklin County, Ohio.
After his marriage Mr. Kantner remained in Auglaize County and
owned and cultivated a tract of eighty acres originally a part of the
old homestead. In March, 1903, he came to Kosciusko County and in
1912 located on his present fin? farm of 191 acres. He has made
more than a local repiitation as a hog breeder, and has a number of
the big type Poland Chinas, havine at the head of 1-ms herd one of
the best boars in the country. Little Dawson. Mr. Kantner is affiliated
with the Knights of the Maccabees.
Twelve children were born to him and his wife, ten of whom are
still livinsr. His son Leroy L., who completed his education in the
Warsaw High School, is now serving as ouartermaster in the United
States Army in France. The son Martin is married and lives i'l
Ohio. Leslie, a graduate of the high school, is married and is in busi-
484 HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY
ness in Chicago. Catherine is the wife of John A. Bitler, of Michigan.
G. H. is married and lives at Elkhart, Indiana. Agnes A. is still at
home. George W. is married and lives in Auglaize County, Ohio.
Edwin is a graduate of the Winona High School and is now serving
in the Sixteenth Railway Engineers Corps in Prance. Elizabeth, a
graduate of the Warsaw High School, married John Ripley and
lived in Elkhart. Lillian, a graduate of the Warsaw High School
and valedictorian of her class, has spent two years at the University
of Chicago and is now instructor in the high school at Leesburg. Mr.
Kantner is a republican in polities.
Albert M. Lentz is a well known ficrure in the industrial affairs
in and around Milford, where for a number of years he has conducted
an imoortant local enterprise for the manufacture of hardwood lum-
ber. He is also a dealer in cnal and other supplies at Milford.
Mr. Lentz was born on a farm in Elkhart County March 23, 1858.
The farm where he was born is where the Gilbert school house is now
located. His parents were Cyrus and ^lary (AVhitehead) Lentz. His
father was born in Ohio and his mother in Elkhart County. Cyrus
Lentz came to Indiana at the age eighteen, and later acquired a farm
in Elkhart County and also bought 200 acres in Van Buren Township
of Kosciusko County. He was a veiy industrious and capable farmer
and business m^in and spent the rest of his life in this section of the
state. He was a member of the German Baptist Church and a demo-
crat. He and his wife had six children, and those still living are :
Moses F.. Dessie. wife of John Dubbs, Jennie, wife of Charles Ham-
mond, and Albert M.
Albert M. Lent^ received his education in the district schools of
Elkhart County. When he was sixteen his parents moved to Kosciusko
County and he lived on the home farm to the ase of twenty-one. In
1877 he married Mary Robinson, a native of Medina County, Ohio.
After his marriage ^Mr. Lentz rented a farm, and in 1883 first engaged
in the sawmill business. Since 1909 he lias been proprietor of a fac-
tory at Milford for the manufacture of hardwood lumber.
He and his wife had eleven children. Those still living are : Eliza-
beth, Charlotte, Emma J., Cleo, Edward, Jennette. Richard. Lou and
Helena. Elizabeth is a graduate of high school and is now in cnllege
The family are members of the Brethren Church at Milford. He is
affiliated with the ]\Iodern Woodmen of America and in politics is a
democrat.
Bert E. Dausman has been a factor in the bu.suiess affairs of Mil-
ford Junction for a number of years. He recently retired from his
local business connection and owns a fine farm in Turkey Creek Town-
ship. However, he continues to reside with his family at Milford
Junction, and owns and occupies there the handsomest residence in
the village. He built this modern home in 1916. It is constructed
of excellent material, the outer walls being laid with the noted Hytex
brick.
Mr. Dausman was born in Cass County, Michigan, on April 19,
HISTOKY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY 485
1874, a son of Henry and Sarah (Brinnbaugh) Dausman. His father
was a native of Canada and his mother of Elkhart County. The
family lived for a number of years in Cass County, Michigan, but in
1876 moved to Jackson Township of Elkhart County, where they had
their home until 1910, and the father then moved to Milford Junction.
He died June 10, 1916. He was a man of progressive spirit, a demo-
cratic voter, and had a good farm of 120 acres.
Bert E. Dausman is the only survivor of the five children born to
his mother, his father's first wife. He grew up on a farm in Elkhart
County, had a district school education and lived with his father until
he was twenty-one. His first real business exporienee was as a brake-
man with the Baltimore and Ohio Railway. He had a run between
Garrett, Indiana, and Chicago Junction, Ohio. After three years on
the road he resigned and went into business at Garrett for two years.
Selling out there, he removed to Milford Junction in 1905 and bought
a restaurant. He continued this enterprise until April 1, 1918, when
he sold out. He has been local agent for the Interurban Railway at
Milford Junction since it was constructed. In 1918 Mr. Dausman
sold or traded for a farm of 120 acres in Turkey Creek Township,
and is now preparing to develop and cultivate that on an intensive
scale.
December 11, 1901, he married Miss Cecil Haney, who was born
in Milford Junction in 1884 and was educated in the district schools.
They are the parents of four children : Dorothy, born August 30,
1902; Raymond, born February 26, 1904; Helen, born August 30,
1905; and Trella, born May 9, 1909. Dorothy is a graduate of the
common schools and has had two years in the high school. She has
an interesting school record, having never missed a single day and
never having been tardy. The son Raymond graduated from the
common schools in 1918. Mr. Dausman is a democrat and has been
quite active in local politics.
Charles M. Regenos. There is a ready public recognition and
appreciation of the man who struggles against hea^v odds to make
himself useful, win a moderate prosperity, and achieves his proper
place in the community. When Charles M. Regenos was five years
old he was partially crippled, and has overcome the handicap of lame-
ness and in spite of that fact has done all the work of a practical
farmer, and is one of the successful men of that industry in Seward
Township. His farm is four miles southwest of Claypool.
At the same time he has been prominent in local affairs and has
served four years as justice of the peace, is now filling his fourth year
as township assessor, and has also been nominated and elected by a
large majority by the democratic part.y as township trustee.
Mr. Regenos was born in Seward Township, son of Jacob and Julia
A. (Brown) Regenos, both now deceased. His parents were born in
Stark County, Ohio, grew up and married there, and in 1868 settled in
Kosciusko County. Here they bought a farm of eighty acres in section
23 of Seward Township, and on that farm they made their home the
rest of their lives. They were very active members of the Fairview
486 HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY
United Brethren Church, and in polities the father was also a demo-
crat. They have six children: Mary, wife of James Miller; Laura,
wife of William Sehue, of Portland, Oregon ; Alice, wife of John
Kintz ; Ira, who lives at Niles, Michigan ; Charles M. ; and Delia,
deceased.
Charles M. Regenos grew up on the home farm, and in winter
attended district school and in summer worked on the farm. At the
age of twenty he started out for himself and in the fall of 1895 he
married Rozella Clink, who has been his most capable wife and com-
panion in home making. She was born in the same community and
when they married their joint possessions aggregated about $100
worth of household goods. They rented a farm and continued as
renters for ten years before they were able to make their first purchase
of land. This consisted of forty acres, and after keeping it and im-
proving it they sold and bought the eighty acres where they now live.
All their prosperity represents their joint struggles, self denial and
hard work of many years. ^Ir. Regenos is a practical farmer and stock
raiser, and is one of tlie busiest men in the community. He and his
wife are active members of the United Brethren Church and he has
been prominent both in church and Sunday school work, serving as
superintendent of the Sunday school.
Mr. and Mrs. Regenos have two children, Golan V., a graduate of
the high school who has spent two years in college; and Gradeii W..
a graduate of high school. Mr. Regenos is also rearing a daughter of
his sister, Ethel Mortomore.
George Hartter. In the last fifteen or twenty years many live
and enterprising men seeking good farm lands and opportunities for
investment have come to Kosciusko County from other states and
eonnties and liave here realized their expectations in finding good
lands and a good farming community, and are now among Kosciusko
County's most prominent citizens. One of these is Mr. George Hartter,
who has lived in Kosciusko County for the past fourteen yea7-s and is
not only a large farm owner in Van Buren Township but is known
throughout the Jiorthern part of the county as an unusually capable
and progi'essive citizen.
Mr. Hartter. whose farm is in section 17, just west of the corpora-
tion limits of ]\li)ford, was born in Alsace Lorraine June 19, 1850.
son of Mark and Catherine Hartter. He attended the common schools
of his native counti*y until lie was fourteen years of age, and after
that served an apprenticeship to learn the carpenter's trade. He was
employed in that line until 1873 when he came to the United States
to seek better opportunities in this country. Later his father followed
him to America. Mr. Hartter did his first work as a carpenter at
Morton, Illinois, but five years later invested his modest capital in an
Illinois farm, and for a number of years was a prosperous agricul-
turist in that state. He had only $50 when he arrived in
America, but under his thrifty management his capital grew and
expanded until he had 160 acres of Illinois farm land. In 1904 he
sold out his property in Illinois and coming to Kosciusko County
HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY 487
bought 320 acres where he now lives. He has always been an extensive
stock raiser and has made most of his money in cattle and hogs. He
is a stockholder in the Farmers State Bank at Milford.
Mr. Hartter married Miss Lena Jacob. She was also born in Alsace
Lorraine. They are the parents of the following children: George.
Jacob, John, Samuel, William, Catherine and Lena, all of whom have
grown to manhood and womanhood and are all married.
Mr. Hartter is an influential republican and his fellow citizens
have frequently honored him with public responsibilities. For the
past four years he has served as assessor of Van Buren Township and
in 1918 was honored with the nomination for commissioner to repre-
sent the northern district of the county.
D.\NiEL C. Darr is a man well known in the good citizcnshi]) of
Van Buren Township, has acquired and improved a good farm, and
he and his wife owe their present comfortable circumstances to their
joint efforts, good management and well directed enterprise.
Mr. Darr, whose home is half way between Milford and Syracuse,
was born in Van Buren Township of this county February 17, 1867,
a son of Thomas and Dorothy (Cory) Darr. His father was born in
Elkhart County of this state November 24, 1844, and his mother in the
same county in 1847. Dorothy Darr died leaving two children, John
and Daniel. John is now living at Three Rivers. :Michigan. Thomas
Darr married for his second wife Elizabeth Phebus, and she became
the mother of twelve children.
Daniel C. Darr was only six weeks old when his mother died, and
after that he lived in the home of his grandmother Cory until he wa.s
six years old. His father then having taken a second wife he returned
home and lived there until manhood. His education was acquired
in the district schools. After starting for himself he found emnloy-
ment as a farm hand, and for five years worked at wages of $200 a
year. This furnished him a good experience and thorough training
for his subsequent career, and at the same time he saved some money
with a view to the future-. On November 21. 1895, Mr. DarT' mnrried
Flora E. Chilcote, of New Paris, Indiana. She was born August 2.3,
1871, daughter of James I. and Hattie (Ebv) Chilcote. Her father
was born near Wilshire, Ohio, August 27, 1837, and her mother was
born in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, March 12, 1834, and died
May 21. 1915. Her father was a soldier in the Union army during
the Civil war.
Mr. and Mrs. Darr after their marriage located on forty aci-es
of land, and later bought another forty acres. This farm they sub-
sequently sold and came to the place of 115 acres where they now live.
They have done much to improve and increase the value of their land
and it is devoted to general farming and stock raising. Mr. and Mrs.
Darr have one son. Earl J., born August 27, 1900. He is a graduate
of the common schools and from the Milford High School with the
class of 1917, and is now assuming most of the responsibilities con-
nected with the home farm. The family are membci-s of the Methodist
488 HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COLTNTY
Episcopal Church at Syracuse, and Mr. Darr has been active both
in church and Sunday school. In polities he is a republican.
Victor Fuller represents one of the oldest families of Kosciu.sko
County, and the vigor with which he has prosecuted his enterprise as
a farmer and all his business and private relations was the source of
the confidence felt in him by his fellow citizens who recently elected
him a trustee of Van Buren Township. He has the distinction of
being the first republican trustee of the township in a period of twenty-
eight years.
ilr. Fuller, whose fine home is located two miles northea.st of ilil-
ford. was born on that place ]\Iarch 13, 1874, a son of Preston and
Mary C. (Brewer) Fuller. Preston Fuller was born in Pennsylvania,
a son of Bena.iah Fuller, a native of the same state, and grandson of
William Fuller, who was born in ^la.ssachusetts of English ancestry.
Bena.jah Fuller came from Pennsylvania to Kosciusko County and
entered a number of extensive tracts of land, being one of the pioneer
land holders in this part of the state. Preston Fuller came to the
county with his parents, grew up and after his marriage settled on
the old Fuller farm. During the Civil war he served three years as a
private in the Seventy-Fourth Indian Volunteer Infantry, and his
record as a citizen was in keeping with the faithfulness and ardor of
his patriotism. He was very active in the Christian Church and a
republican in politics. His wife, ]\Iary C. Brower. was born in Penn-
sylvania, a daughter of Isaac Brower, who brought his family west,
first to Indiana, thence to Illinois, and back to Turkey Creek Town-
ship four miles south of Syracuse in Kosciusko County, where she
lived until her marriage. Preston Fuller and wife had seven children,
five of whom are still living : Frank, of Fresno, California ; Stella,
wife of Richard Fiiller of Glendale, Arizona ; Victor ; Ernest and
Robert, both living in California, the latter at Riverside.
Victor Fuller had a district school education. He married Almeda
Leatherman, daughter of Conrad Leatherman. She was born in Jef-
ferson Township of this county, and was educated in the common
schools. After their marriage 'Slv. and ]Mrs. Fuller lived for a few
years in the West, part of the time in Oklahoma, but finally returned
to Kosciusko Cotmty and located in Van Buren Township, where their
affairs have been greatly prospered as farmers.
^Ir. and Mrs. Fuller have four cb'ldren : Floyd P., a gradunte
of the common schools, married Savilla Cox : Royce, a graduate of
the common schools and now in the United States Navy ; Hilda, wife of
Lero.v Troster, who owns a good farm of ninety-seven acres near Mil-
ford Junction in Van Buren Township ; and Donald C, a graduate of
the ]Milford High School. The family are members of the Christian
Church and Mr. Fuller is one of the church elders.
Thom.\s J. Cot is one of the prosperous farm owners and well
known citizens of Kosciusko County, and for his success the credit is
due almost entireh^ to his individual efforts and his steadfast honesty
and integrity. Mr. Coy has spent nearly all his life in Kosciu-sko
HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY 48'J
County and has one of the best equipped farm homes in Turkey Creek
Township north of Syracuse.
Mr. Coy was born in Van Buren Township of Kosciusko County
May 2, 1850, and represent a family that has long been identified
with this section of the state. His parents were Henry and May A.
(Grissamer) Coy, both natives of Ohio. They were married in Kosci-
usko County and soon afterward settled in Elkhart County and from
there went to Van Buren Town.ship, where they spent their worthy
lives as farmers and as faithful members of the Dunkard Church.
They had five sons and four daughters, three of the sons and the four
daughters still living.
Thomas J. Coy grew up on the old home farm, and as a boy at-
tended the common schools. He married for his first wife Ellen
Berry. She was the mother of four children : Charles B., a machinist
now in Illinois ; Myrtle, deceased ; Laura, wife of Charles Lutz of Elk-
hart County; and Harry E., a farmer in Elkhart County. For his
present wife Mr. Coy married Mrs. Iva Jones Middleton. Mrs. Coy
was born near Dunlap, Elkhart County, April 15, 1864, daughter of
David H. and Susan (Stiitsman) Jones. Her father was a native of
Ohio and her mother of Elkhart County. Mrs. Co.v was educated in
the district schools and for her fir.st husband married Ozias Middleton.
By that union she has one son, Floyd, who married Bulah Jones, of
Chicago.
Mr. and Mrs. Coy are active members of the Dunkard Church.
Politically he is a republican. Mr. Coy has been a farmer in this
vicinity for forty years or more and his present estate consists of
13 acres in Kosciusko County and 117 acres adjoining in Elkhart
County. In 1916 he built his modern country home, furnace heated
and with all (he facilities such as are usually found in best city resi-
dences.
MiLO JIaloy. Some of the best farm homes of this county are
located in Van Buren Township. One of them is owned and occupied
by Milo Maloy, located two and a half miles northeast of Milford and
two and a half miles west of Syracuse. The Maloy family have been
in that locality for sixty years and the name is associated with good
farming, good citizenship and active relations with all progressive
community affairs.
The family was founded here by John and Polly (Smith) Maloy,
who in 1841 moved from Wayne County, Ohio, to Whitley County,
Indiana, and in 1851 removed to Kosciusko County and settled in the
woods of Van Buren Township. John Maloy lived there until the lat-
ter part of his life, and then removed to Syracuse, where he died.
His wife died on the old farm. They had twelve children, four of
whom, John, Daniel, David and Seth, reached mature years. The
son Andrew gave his life as a soldier in the Civil war. Four of the
daughters were Mary, Lucy, Sarah and Catherine.
Seth Maloy, a son of John and Polly Maloy, was born in Wayne
County, Ohio, July 9, 1838, and was only three years of age when
brought to Indiana and was thirteen when the family located in Van
4D0 HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY
Buren Township. He grew up on a farm, and in 1880 located a place
of fifty acres in Van Buren Township, where he spent the rest of his
life. December 10, 1865, he married Mahala J. Coy, daughter of
Henry and I\Iary A. Coy, of Kosciusko County. Both were active
members of the Church of God at Syracuse, and Seth ^laloy was
trustee of the church propert}^ He was a republican in politics. He
and his wife had four children, Simeon, who died at the age of five
years; Milo; Prank, a farmer in Van Buren Township; and Ada.
wife of Charles Visle.y.
ilr. Milo Maloy was born on his father's place in Van Buren
Township June 19, 1874. He had a district school education and
most of his life's activities have been identified with farming. On
September 4, 1898, at the age of twenty-four, he married Lulu Blough.
She was born in Plain Township of Kosciusko County, daughter of
David and Jane Blough. After tlieir marriage Mr. and Mrs. Maloy
located on a farm, subsequently moved to another place, and also
lived for a time in Benton Harbor, Michigan, and South Bend, Indi-
ana, before returning to Kosciusko Count.v and establishing themselves
in their present comfortable circumstances.
Mr. Maloy is affiliated with Syracuse Lodge No. 458, Ancient Free
and Accepted Masons, and with the Knights of the Maccabees. He is
one of the influential republicans of his township and is now nominee
for the office of township trustee.
Delbert W. Norris. The Norris family is one of the oldest in
Kosciusko County, and while Delbert W. Norris was born and reared
here he spent so many years in Canada that he became a nituralized
citizen and a British subject and has only recently returned to Kos-
ciusko County and is now renting the old Norris farm five miles south-
east of Syracuse.
He was born in Turkey Creek Township, January 13, 1870, a son
of John L. and Emma (Stainer) Norris. His father was born in Van
Buren Township of this county August 11, 1840, a son of William and
Elizabeth (Knox) Norris. William Norris was a son of Joseph Norris.
and a grandson of Thomas Norris. Thomas Norris. a native of Liver-
pool. England, came to the United States in colonial times and located
at Hagerstown, Maryland, where he lived during the period of the
American Revolution. Joseph Norris, his son, was one of the men
who responded to the call of the West and was one of the first to
secure Government land in Van Buren Township of Kosciusko County,
His sons entered fourteen eighty acre tracts of land in that locality,
and thus the name of Norris appears on more abstracts of title than
almost any other name in the county.
William Norris, one of the sons who entered land in Kosciusko
County, lived here for some years and in 1849 joined the exodus to
the California gold fields. He prospered in the far West, later re-
turned to Indiana, but spent his last years in Missouri. His children
consist of John L., Joseph, Melvina, Lena, Rebecca and Dora.
John L. and Emma (Stainer) Norris had three children, one i>\'
HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY 491
whom died in infancy. The daughter Bertha is the wife of Lawrence
Snodgrass, and they live in the Province of Saskatchewan, ( 'anada.
Delbert W. Norris grew up on the old farm and lived there until
the age of eighteen, after which he spent six years in Elkhart County.
He then returned to Kosciusko County, and was a resident here until
the age of thirty-three. On January 1, 1898, he married Edna Cripe.
a native of Turkey Creek Township. In the spring of 1903 Mr. and
Mrs. Non'is moved to Canada and homesteaded 160 acres in the west-
ern part of the Dominion. They had their home there for fourteen
years and only returned to Kosciusko County on April 8, 191 7. They
now occupy the old Norris homestead comprising eighty acres.
William W. Reed. Any city is fortunate that can claim among
its assets such loyalty and progressive action as "William W. Reed has
given to Warsaw. Those best acquainted with his work and influence
sa.y that he has had as much to do with the prosperity of the city dur-
ing the past decade as any other one individual. In his business he
may he said to occupy a key position of influence, and during the
twentj--tive years he has lived in Warsaw he has been continuously
engaged in the hotel business and has made the house over which he
presides a hotel of accommodations eonsi.stent and in keeping with the
spirit of uplift and progress in the city. While he is widely known
as one of the successful hotel managers of Indiana, his surplus energy-
has been devoted to many other enterprises, particularly to the solid
welfare and advancement of Warsaw.
Born at :Mansfield, Ohio. July 8. 1861, he is one of the children
born to the marriage of William Wallace and Mary Ann (Bale) Reed.
Two years after his birth his mother died, and by a subsequent mar-
riage to Jennie Butler his father had two other children. William
Wallace Reed, Sr., was also in his time a popular landlord. He con-
ducted a hotel at Mansfield, Ohio, and moving from there to Fort
Wayne, Indiana, operated the old Mayer House until his death in 1880.
William W. Reed was nineteen years of age when his father died.
In the meantime he had attended the grammar and high schools of his
native city, and under the direction of his father had gained an
exact knowledge and practice of the fundan.ental principles of con-
ducting a fii-st class hotel. After the death of his father he went to
live with his paternal grandmother, ;Mrs. Permelia Reed, at Mansfield.
Then in October, 1881, with his stepmother, he came to Warsaw and
for two years operated the old Kirtley House, which .stood on the site
now occupied by the interurhan railway station. Then for the follow-
ing two yeai"s he conducted the Robinson House in Fort Wayne and
for succeeding years was clerk in the Burnett House at Toledo, and
for two years was chief clerk in the Wayne Hotel at Fort Wayne.
Mr. Reed became a permanent resident of Warsaw in 1890, in
which year he leased the property and bought the furniture of the
Hayes Hotel. He has been in connnand of this well kno\ni hostelry
ever since. He has made it not only a place of piiblic entertainment
but a business enterprise that has properly rewarded his constant
planning and oiitlay of energy. A number of years ago he bought
492 HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY
the property outright, remodeled the hotel building, so as to give it
accommodations and facilities up to the highest standard of a modern
hotel, put on an annex, and also acquired a private residence property
adjoining.
That civic and public spirited work for which Mr. Reed will be
longc'^t remembered in "Warsaw came from his realization, early in
his stay here, that Warsaw was a town practically stagnant and mak-
ing no" effort whatever to realize the magnificent opportunities which
properly belong to its situation. It was largely through his initiative
that the present Chamber of Commerce was organized, and through
that very capable and enthusiastic body many factories were induced
to locate in ^Varsaw and the city soon took on an unwonted air of
vitality and progress. The industrial development was followed by
municipal improvements, and Warsaw can now make just claims to
association with the best towns of the state. Mr. Reed has been a
director of the Warsaw Chamber of Commerce since its creation.
He has also acquired some extensive busuiess interests. He is a
stockholder in the Warsaw Overall Company, a director in the Warsaw
Investment Company, and the Warsaw Building, Loan & Investment
Association, and is president of the Cox-Kline Company, a local in-
dustry for the manufacture of leather waterproof dressing In poli-
tics he is a republican, and has fraternal associations with the Masons
and the Elks. On April 3, 1883. Mr. Reed married :\Iiss Lillian C.
Caldwell, of Wai-saw. Their onlv daughter. Bettie, is the wife of
Dr. C. C. DuBois.
Leander G.\rber, member of an old, solid and respected family
of Kosciusko County, has made his years of usefulness and service
through his work as a farmer. He has one of the good farms of Tippe-
canoe Township, located a mile and a half southeast of North Webster
on rural route No. 1 out of Leesburg.
Mr. Garber was born in Tippecanoe Township September 2, 1875,
and is a son of Samuel and Polly (White) Garber. His father was one
of the early settlers and lived on his farm a mile and a half southeast
of North Webster until his death. The mother was a member of the
Christian Church. In the family were eleven children : Daniel M.,
of Tippecanoe Township ; JIary, wife of Milo StrOmbeck, of North
Webster ; Jefferson, of North Webster : Albert, president of the Farm-
ers Bank of North Webster; Clementine, wife of ileade Humble, of
Washington Township ; Comodore, of Washington Township ; Emma,
wife of Silas Cook ; Jacob, of Huntington, Indiana ; Barbara, wife
of Charles Gandy, of the vicinity of Noblesville; Leander; and
John, of Tippecanoe Township.
Leander Garber grew up on the old fai-m, and had a common school
education. At the age of thirteen he went to live with his sister, Mrs.
Strombeck, and was in her home until he reached his majority.
In 1898 ;Mr. Garber married Rosa Twarts. Mrs. Garber was boru
in Noble County, Indiana. Three children have been born to their
marriage, two of whom are living : Eva Helen and Louis. Their son
Ray died at the age of seven years. Mr. and Mrs. Garber are active
HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY 493
members of the Christian Church and in polities he is a republican.
His well cultivated and improved farm comprises eighty acres and to
it he is giving the best of his energies and ability as one of the pro-
ducers of this county.
Henry Kolberg. It is a lnni>- an.l hard climb to prosperity in
farminc^ bv the avenue of reiitin- land frnm others, and it requires
a man of great industry, persislonco and .letermined purpose to con-
quer in that directiou. One of the men in Kosciusko County who are
now most prosperously situated and won success primarily as a renter
is Henry Kolberg. whose present home farm is in section 21 ot lurkey
Creek Township, four miles southeast of Syracuse.
Mr Kolberg was born in Germany November 3, 1854. He attended
the common schools of his native country to the asre of fourteen, and
at the age of twentv came to the United States. He was a poor boy.
had no knowledge of English languas'e or American customs and had
to struggle along as best he could for several years. In Kosciusko
County he went to work on a farm and on September 13, 18 n gained
one of' the prizes of life when he married Mary E. ITamman. She was
born in Turkey Creek Township and was educated in the common
schools. „ , -,
Mr and Mrs Kolbersi were farm renters for twenty years, and
while maintaining their home in comfort anrl rearing their children
thev also gradually accumulated a fund which m 1899 he used to
purchase eightv acres of land included in the present home farm
Mr Kolberg now owns 160 acres, devoted to general farming and
stock raising, and all this generous property he has made through his
industry and the loyal cooperation of his good wife.
Mr 'and Mrs. Kolberg have two children and three grandchildren.
The daughter, Ann Eliza, married Elisha Hesh and lives at Goshen,
Indiana. The son, Arthur C, married Violet Prentiss, and they are
farmers in Turkey Creek Township. The family are members ot the
Brethren Church, of which Mr. Kolberg is a trustee. He is also con-
cerned in the community affairs of his locality and is a member of the
township advisory board. Politically he votes as a democrat.
C C Dukes, present trustee of Wa^■ne To\\nship. is a citizen of
Warsaw whose services as a licensed embalmcr and undertaker have
been widely appreciated, and is one of tlie men looked upon for lead-
ership and influence in all local affairs. , o- i qto
He was born on a farm near Peru. Indiana, November 2/, 1879,
son of Mitchell M. and Mary (Case) Dukes. H's great-great-grand-
father was a native of Scotland. His grandfather, Stephen Dukes,
was born in Mar^dand and came west and settled near Richmond m
Wayne County, 'Indiana, where he married Miss McKim, and some
years later, in "1861, moved to M'ami County, Indiana, where he spent
the rest of his life and died in 1881. Mitchell Dukes was a boy when
taken to Miami County, grew up there and married and lived on his
farm and followed farming actively until the spring of 1898. Since
then he has lived somewhat retired in the Village of Denver. He and
494 HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY
his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church and he is a
republican. Mitchell M. Dukes and wife had six children, including :
L. E. Dukes, of Denver, Indiana; Acel, of Denver; Myrtle, wife of
Noble Hunt, cashier of the Denver Bank; Bertha, wife of N. Bohen,
of Miami County.
C. C. Dukes grew up on his father's farm in Miami County, at-
tended the district schools there and two terms in high school. At
the age of nineteen he gained his first experience in the undertaking
business at Peru, working there 3iA years, and also eighteen months
at Plymouth, Indiana. In February, 1903, Mr. Dukes moved to
Warsaw and has since been in business on his own account
and is looked upon as a man of thorough qualifications and with all
the facilities and equipment for his business.
He married Miss Cora Smith, of Fulton County, Indiana, but a
native of Wabash County. They have two children : Juanita, born
in December, 1903 ; and Mary, born in January, 1910. Mr. and Mrs.
Dukes are members of the IMethodist Episcopal Church. He is affili-
ated with the Knights of Pythia.s, Improved Order of Red Men and
Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. Politically his affiliation has
always been as a republican. Mr. Dukes was appointed trustee of
Wayne Township in February, 1916, to fill out an unexpired term,
and in 1918 was nominated for a second term.
Itasca J. Sharp has for a number of years been identified with the
farming community of Van Buren Township, and is busily engaged in
cultivating the land of his home a mile south of Milford."
He was bom near ]\Iansfield, Ohio, November 13, 1873, a son of
George W. and Elizabeth (Heist) Sharp. His father was born April
5, 1850, and his mother January 24, 1843. They married in Ohio,
were fanners in that state, and about 1875 settled in Van Buren
Township of Kosciusko County. A year later George Sharp returned
to Pennsylvania, but spent his last years in Kosciusko County, where
he died May 1, 1903. He was a democrat in politics. In the family
were two children, I. J. Shai-p and Pearl. The latter is now the wife
of John W. Homan and lives at Milford.
Itasca J. Sharp grew up on a farm and had a district school edu-
cation. He has always lived at home with his parents and has never
married. At present he lives with his widowed mother and has a
farm of forty acres.
Mr. Sharp is affiliated with Milford Lodge No. 478, Independent
Order of Odd Fellows, of which he is a past grand and member of the
grand lodge. He is also past chief patriarch of Milford Encampment
No. 242 and a member of the grand encampment. Mr. Sharp is a
democrat in politics and is now serving as supervisor of roads in his
district.
Stephen Freemax. With one of the finest lakes in northern Indi-
ana within its boundaries, Kosciusko Coimty has long en.joyed the
benefits of one of the leading summer resorts of the state. This lake
and its tourist population present some imusual opportunities to men
HISTORY OP KOSCIUSKO COUNTY 495
of enterprise, and one of those who have been attracted here as perma-
nent settlers and not only home makers but providers of the supplies
and facilities required by the situation is Mr. Stephen Freeman, pro-
prietor of the Sunbeam Farm and of Truesdell Lodge on Lake Wa-
wasee.
Mr. Freeman is a veteran of the business of paper maiiufacture,
was identified with paper mills in his native New England and was
formerly superintendent of a paper coating factory at Wabash, Indi-
ana. He was born at Montpelier, Vermont, Januarj^ 12, 1870, son of
Stephen and Emma (Leslie) Freeman. His father was born in Barre,
Vermont, in 1820, and his mother on May 7, 1836. She is still living
in Vermont at the age of eighty-two. They had only two children,
Stephen and Maiy. iMary is a graduate of the Montpelier High
School, spent two years in Wellesley College and is now the wife of
Moses French of Solon, Maine.
Traditions of a good education were inherent in the family and
Mr. Stephen Freeman is a man of college and university training. He
attended the public schools of Vermont, graduating from high school
there, and in 1894 received the bachelor of science degree from the
University of Vennont. He specialized in chemistrj', and his pro-
ficiency in that line .soon brought him into connections with the paper
making industry at Nashua, New Hampshire. He especially had to
do with the coating of paper, and was in that department of one firm
in New Hampshire for four years. In 1901 Mr. Freeman eame to
Wabash, Indiana, was foreman in the factory coating room and later
became coating mill superintendent. He held the position of superin-
tendent about three years.
On December 26, 1902, at Wabash, Mr. Freeman married
Josephine Walter. She was born at North Manchester, Indiana, grad-
uated from high school at Wabash and also attended Lake Erie Semi-
nary at Painesville, Ohio. For several years she was a teacher in
the public schools. In 1907 Mr. and Mrs. Freeman moved to Pied-
mont, West Virginia, and he was identified there with the West Vir-
ginia Pulp and Paper Company until June, 1911. At that date he
eame to the beautiful Lake Wawasee, and has here developed an
attractive summer home and a productive poulti-y and fruit estate of
sixteen acres. He is a member of Hannah Lodge No. 61, Ancient Free
and Accepted Masons, and in politics is a republican. At present
writing he is nominee for trustee of Turkey Creek Township.
Mr. and Mrs. Freeman have a happv family of five children:
Stephen, Jr. born January 7, 1904; Lucy, born December 23,
1905 ; Margaret, bom August 15, 1908 ; Joseph W., born March 28,
1915, and James B., bom December 9, 1916.
Lant.\ W. Ford, M. D. While a large number of families in and
around Syracuse count upon the pi'ofessional services of Dr. Ford
for all their requirements in medicine and surgery, this profession
is not the sole interest of this very capable physician and surgeon.
Dr. Ford comes of a race of farmers, and with all the demands made
Vol. n— 8
496 HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY
upon his time and energy by his regular calling he is owner of two
very fine farms in Wa^Tie and Seward townships.
There are few names that have been longer identified with the his-
tory of Kosciusko County than that of this family. Eighty years ago
his grandfather was struggling with the vicissitudes of pioneer condi-
tions in Wayne To^Tiship, and from that day to this the Fords have
pulled more than their own weight in agricultural and community
affairs.
The histors' of the family begins when two Ford brothers came
from England" and one settled in New York and the other in Virginia.
The Kosciusko County family is descended from the Virginia settler.
A son of this colonist was George Ford, who was one of four brothers
to help the colonies in their struggle for independence during the
Revolution.
A son of the Revolutionary patriot was the founder of the faraily
in Kosciusko County, Henry Ford by name, who was born in Mrginia
April 21, 1798. He grew up in his native state and on June 20, 1822,
married Miss Phoebe ^Minear, who was born November 3. 1802, in
Harrison Coimty in what is now "West Virginia. She was of English
and German descent, daughter of Adam and Elizabeth Minear.
It was in the summer of 1836 that Henry Ford brought his f amily
to Kosciusko County. His first location was on the southeast quarter
of section 35 in Wayne Township, and his nearest neighbors of white
people were three miles away. In the course of time several other
families, mostly from New England, came to the same community,
and because of their origin the rnad upon which they lived was called
Yankee Street. Henry Ford paid $1.25 an acre for a quarter section
of land and was its first claimant from the Government. American
families who live under the most stringent conditions of war regula-
tions are luxuriously provided compared with the simplicity which
marked the home life and the food and clothing of such early day
families as that of Henry Ford. To his other burdens was added
that of illness from fever and ague then so prevalent in Kosciusko
County, and at one time he was the only member of the household
able to be up and at work. But he had the qualities which enable men
to live and prosper even under such conditions, and he spent his last
years in comfort and took undoubted satisfaction in the remarkably
"capable family that grew up about him. In 1858 Henry Ford moved
to section 13 of Wa^-ne Township and lived on the farm he developed
there until his death September 10, 1872. His widow passed away
September 4, 1875. He served as a justice of the peace in his com-
munity a number of years, and he and his wife were active pioneer
members of the ilethodist Episcopal Church. In politics he was a
democrat. Henry Ford and wife had eleven children: Lanta, Frank-
lin, Elizabeth, John, Isaac, Noah. Eliza, Jacob, Shadraeh, Callendar
and Daniel. Of this family seven sons and daughters taught school,
one of them had a classical education and three of the sons read and
practiced medicine.
Daniel Ford, a son of Henry and father of Dr. Lanta W. Ford,
HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY 407
was born in Wayne Township September 19, 1841. He was educated
in local schools, in the Warsaw High School, and studied medicine in
the University of Michigan. However, he practiced only a few years,
the sustaining business interests of his life being as a farmer and
stockman. He also tauglit a number of winter terms of school in this
and in Fulton counties. He acquired a large farm of 400 acres south-
west of Warsaw and was one of the citizens who could be depended
upon for any progressive movement in that locality. He was a demo-
crat and with his wife an active member of the Methodist Episcopal
Church. January 1, 1873, Daniel Ford married Miss Harriet Weiriek.
She was born in Richland County, Ohio, August 29, 1853, and was a
child when brought to Kosciusko County by her parents, Jacob and
Margaret Weiriek. Daniel Ford and wife had two children : Lanta
W. and Rosella. The daughter was born April 28, 1876, was educated
in the public schools of Warsaw and DePauw University.
Lanta W. Ford was born on the old home farm in Wayne Township
November 3, 1874. His boyhood days were spent as a farmer but his
parents gave him the best of advantages in school. He attended the
Warsaw High School and in 1901 graduated from the Indiana Uni-
versity School of Medicine with the degree of M. D. In the fall of
the same year he opened his office at Syracuse, and for over seventeen
years has steadily attended to the needs of a growing practice. He is
a member in good standing of the County and State Medical societies
and is one of the talented professional men of the county. Dr. Ford
is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Warsaw and is
affiliated with Syracuse Camp of the Modern Woodmen of America
and Kosciusko Lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Po-
litically he follows the family tradition as a democrat.
As a farmer Dr. Ford specializes in the breeding and raising of
high grade livestock. He is a breeder of Shorthorn cattle and of
Belgian horses.
Oscar Alfred Harding, a teacher and farmer, was born in Cork,
Ireland, April 9, 1858. He was a son of Thomas and Mary (Lester)
Harding, both of whom were born in Cork, Ireland, although his
father was of English descent. The father was born September 24,
1823, the mother February 8, 1828. They were united in marriage
June 14, 1846, both being devoted members of the Episcopal Church.
To them were bom five children who lived to maturity : George,
Oscar, Robert, Minnie and Letitia. The mother died at Sturgis, Michi-
gan, November 14, 1908, and the father, near Oregon City, Oregon,
where he made his home with his daughter, Mrs. Letitia Allen, Decem-
ber 28, 1912, being in his ninetieth year.
The sub.ject of this sketch came to America in the spring of 1862
with his mother and youngest brother, sailing from Queenstown and
landing in New York, his father and oldest brother (George) having
come the j-ear before. They located in Sturgis, Michigan. Oscar
attended the Episcopal Parish School at Cork, Ireland, until he was
nine years old and later attended the public school at Sturgis. He
498 HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY
finished his education at Hillsdale College, Michigan. For nineteen
years he followed the teaching profession, teaching his first school in
Noble Count.y, Indiana, and later coming to Kosciusko County, where
he met and on September 2. 1884, married Miss Emeline Weirick.
Mrs. Harding is a daughter of Jacob and Margaret (Smith) Wei-
rick. She was educated in the public school, attended St. Michael's
Academy, PljTnouth, Indiana, also the Valparaiso Normal and later
she was among the ranks of educators for twelve years. After their
marriage I\Ir. and ]\Ii"s. Harding located on the farm where they now
live, and where he continued teaching along with fanning several
years.
They have one daughter, Mary Alice, born August 9, 1886. She
had her preliminary education at Mentone, later graduated from the
Warsaw High School and in 1908 received her A. B. degree from
DePauw T^niversity. Mars- A. Harding married Stanley Stephenson
Boggs. They have one child. Stanley H. Boggs. Mr. Boggs is a grad-
uate of the Warsaw High School, spent two years in the civil engi-
neering department of Purdue University and was then employed for
six years as resident and locating engineer on the Frisco Railroad in
Texas, Louisiana and Oklahoma. He is now the nominee on the
republican ticket for the office of county surs^eyor.
All the family are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
Mr. Harding is a teacher of the Bible class. He is affiliated with
Mentone Lodge No. 567, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, being
a past master. His son-in-law, S. S. Boggs, is also a Mason.
Joshua Zimmerman. Several of the most extensive farmers in
Kosciusko County are comparative newcomers and came here from
the rich and productive agricultural state of Illinois. One of them is
Joshua Zimmerman, a large land owner and successful farmer in Van
Buren Township. His large farm is two miles south of Milford.
Mr. Zimmerman was born in Woodford County. Illinois, April 13,
1864, a son of Michael and Kathryn (Naffzinger) Zimmerman.
Michael Zimmerman was born in Baden, Germany, September 19,
1820, a son of Andrew and Annie (Miller) Zimmerman, of Germany.
He immigrated to America in 1839, with his father and family of five
children, was thirty-one clays on the sea and settled in Butler County,
Ohio, where his father died. In 1848 ilichael Zimmerman left Ohio
and came to Illinois and settled in Tazwell County and later in Wood-
ford County. He first purchased 100 acres of land and later owned
330 acres of fine farming ground. He married ^liss Kathryn Naff-
zinger, born on the Atlantic Ocean July 9, 1826. They were married
in 1845, and raised a family of nine children. Mr. Zimmerman died
February 7, 1913, at the age of ninety-two yeai-s, four months, eleven
days. His wife still lives (July 3, 1918), and has sixty -seven grand-
children and seventy-three great-grandchildren.
Michael Zimmerman served as an elder in the Apostolic Christian
Church. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Zimmerman are: Anna, wife
of John Witzig; Barbara, wife of John Ramseyer; John, a resident
HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY 49!J
of Illinois; Lydia, wife of Abraham Rinkenberger ; Chris, who lives
in Livingston County, Illinois ; Hannah, wife of John Hohulin ;
Joshua ; Caleb, of Illinois ; and Lillie, wife of William Holliger.
Mr. Joshua Zimmerman was reared and educated in Illinois, and
lived at home until he was past his majority. For several years he
worked out at monthly wages and began life with very little beyond
what his labor had enabled him to accumulate.
February 25, 1890, he married Miss Mary Wetui-ieh. After their
marriage they rented land in Illinois and their first farm was eighty
acres. Later they sold that and bought 219 acres, and on moving to
Kosciusko Coiuity purchased 240 acres in Jefferson Township. Two
years later they came to their present location in Van Buren Town-
ship, where they acquired 160 acres. Mr. Zimmerman has 400 acres
under his ownership, and several of his sons are now bearing an active
part with him in managing this place. He is a general farmer and
also keeps Norman horses.
Ten children were born to him and his wife, nine of whom are still
living: Ernest, Cathei-ine, Anna, Rosa, Levi (deceased), Michael,
Harvey, Esther, Elmer and Ruth. The family are active members of
the Apostolic Christian Church. Mr. Zimmerman is a republican in
politics.
John H. Bowser, ;\1. D., who graduated in medicine over thirty
years ago, found his time and abilities more and more taxed as a com-
petent physician and surgeon and was one of the ablest as he was one
of the oldest practitioners in Kosciusko County at the time of his
death. From the time of his graduation he was located at Syracuse
and every one in that part of the county knew and esteemed Doctor
Bowser and his fine family.
He was born in Elkhart County, Indiana, May 1, 1860, a son of
Philip and Cassandra (Druckamiller) Bowser. His maternal grand-
father, John Druckamiller, came from the vicinity. of Philadelphia to
Carroll County, Ohio, locating near Carrollton, and later moved to
Elkhart County, Indiana. Philip Bowser was born at an old village
called Bowsertown, near Dayton, Ohio, in 1829, a son of Daniel
Bowser, who came from Providence, Rhode Island, and was a pioneei'
in Montgomery County, Ohio. Daniel Bowser later did some pioneer
work in Elkhart County, Indiana, and constructed a dam near Milford
Junction and operated one of the early mills. Philip and Cassandra
Bowser married in p]lkhart County, and then located on a farm mid-
way between New Paris and Milford. In 1872 they moved to Goshen,
where the father died in Ma.v, 1904. He was a stalwart i-epublican of
the old school. In the family wei-e four children, one of whom died in
infancy. Those still living are : Dr. Jolm H. ; Harley E., born in
1864 and now living at Goshen, Indiana ; and Guy, born in 1878, who
is a graduate of the Goshen High School and of the University of
Michigan, and is now chief chemist with the National Portland Cement
Company at Durham, Ontario, Canada.
The early life of Doctor Bowser was spent on a farm. He attended
500 HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY
common schools and high school, and entering Indiana Medical Col-
lege graduated with the degree il. D. in 1SS5. On the fii-st of June
in that year he located at Syracuse, and in this locality he gave his
professional services to nearly two generations of people. He was a
member of the Connty and State Medical Societies.
Doctor Bowser married Susie E. Willey. Mi-s. Bowser is a gradu-
ate of the Goshen High School and before her marriage was a teacher
in Colorado. Five children were born to them, three still living:
Howard A., born March 9, 1887 ; Harold J., born December 7, 1893 ;
and Philip H., born January 30, 1896. These sons are fine specimens
of stnrdj- American manhood and two of them are now serving their
country'. Howard, the oldest, is a fireman with the Baltimore and
Ohio Railway. He married Mabel Wi.se, daughter of the late Doctor
Wise.
The son Harold graduated from the Syracuse High School and
spent four and a half years in the Indiana State University. For three
years he was a member of the university football team. He enlisted
in the United States Navy Reserve Force, took special trainin? course
for six months, and is now an ensign in the navA'. The son Philip is
a graduate of the local high .school, studied medicine four years in the
State University Medical School, and enlisted in the Medical Reserve
for the Navv. He was captain of the State University basketball
team in 1918.
Dr. Bowser affiliated with Syracuse Lodge No. 290, Knights of
Pythias, and was a member and physician for the local lodge of
Eagles. In politics he was a republican. He owned a fine modern
home at Syracuse, having built it in 1892. 'Sir. Bowser died suddenly
of angina pectoris on June 17, 1918.
Jacob B. Miller. Some of the best farms and the most enterpris-
ing farmers are found in Jackson Township, among them being Jacob
B. Miller, whose place is a half mile east of Sidney, in a community
where his jieople have lived since pioneer times.
In Jackson Township he was born April 28, 1869, son of Samuel P.
and Rachel (Heckman) ^Miller. His father was born in Ohio in 1842
and died in 1914. His mother was also a native of Ohio and is still
living. They came to Kosciusko County with their respective parents,
married here, and then settled on a farm in Jackson Township. The
father was a very active member of the Church of the Brethren, which
is an especially strong denomination in Jackson Township. He voted
the republican ticket. Of the eight children, iive are still I'ving:
Albert, a farmer in Jackson Township ; Jacob B. ; Calvin C, of Cheru-
busco, Indiana ; Reason A., of Pierceton ; and Elliott, a farmer in
Jackson Township.
Jacob B. Miller grew up on the home farm and was educated in
the public schools at Sidney. He wa.s at home with his parents until
twenty-one, and after that for twenty years farmed his uncle's place.
On December 16, 1894, he married Miss Ollie Idle. iMrs. ^Miller was
bom in Monroe Township of this county June 13, 1871, daughter of
HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY 501
Marion and Huldah Idle. When she was thi'ee years old her mother
died, and she lived in the home of her grandparents until her father
married ao;ain. Her father was a soldier of the Union Army, was a
very popular republican, filled the office of assessor of Monroe Town-
ship, and for a number of yeare taught the public schools. Mrs. Miller
was well educated and was also a teacher before her marriage.
Mr. and Mrs. Miller have been farmers for many years. In 1910
they went West and proved up 160 acres of government land, then
sold it and returned to this county. Mr. Miller has eighty acres,
highly cultivated and improved, and is handling some well graded
stock. He and his wife are members of the Brethren Church at Sid-
ney, and in politics he has always supported the men and measures
in the republican party.
Harlo W. Case. As the nation grows older and more and more
honor is paid to men who offered their lives as sacrifices to the preser-
vation of the Union in the dark days of the '60s. One of these veterans
still living in Kosciusko County is Harlo W. Case, whose life since the
war has been one of peaceful industry as a farmer in Indiana, and
who is now enjoying a well earned retirement at his home in Syra-
cuse.
Mr Case was born in Warren County, Pennsylvania, at the town
of Fine Grove, May 30, 1838. He has therefore attained the dignity
of fourscore years. His parents, Rufus W. and Amarilla (Nichols)
Case, were both natives of New York State and were married at West-
field, from which locality they removed to Pennsylvania. Harlo W.
Case was reared in Pennsylvania, in Lucas County, Ohio, and also
lived in Michigan at Macomb and in ilonroe County. In early man-
hood he returned to Toledo, Ohio, and from that city enlisted in Com-
pany G of the Fourteenth Ohio Infantry. This was a ninety days
regiment and at the conclusion of his term of enlistment he re-
enlisted for three years in Company F of the Fourteenth Ohio In-
fantry. Even that service was not sufficient to satisfy his ardor for
his country, and he finally veteranized for another period of three
years or to the end of the war. During the Atlanta campaign he was
wounded with gunshot, and his last days in the armory were spent
in hospital. He was granted his honorable discharge on account
of disability February 16, 1865.
With the close of the war Mr. Case returned to Monroe County,
Michigan, and on February 9, 1870, married Josephine Morss. She
became the mother of eight children, seven of whom are still living:
Charles, Eva, Nora, Ellery, Mary, Arthur, and James. The mother
of these children died while the family were living in White County,
Indiana. For his second wife Mr. Case married Mary J. White, who
died two years later. He then married Sarah A. Weimer, widow
of Washington Weimer, who was a minister of the United Brethren
church. Mrs. Case had one daughter, Bertha, wife of Frank Crandall.
Mrs. Case is an active member of the United Brethren church.
Mr. Case has long been an honored member of the Grand Army Post at
502 HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY
Syracuse and for sixteen years was its adjutant. During his resi-
dence in Lucas County, Ohio, he served as trustee of his township.
Mr. Case because of his long and arduous service in the war has a
medal from the State of Ohio as an appropriate memorial for his
sacrifices. In politics he is a republican. Mr. Case owns a fine farm
of a 144 acres in Turkey Creek Township of this county but for a
number of years has enjoyed the comforts of a good home in the
Town of Syracuse. His farm is known as the Lake View Stock Farm.
Chaeles H. Rookstool and his son are owners and managers of
one of the notable stock fanns of Kosciusko County. This farm is
in Van Buren Township, on rural route No. 2 out of Syracuse. It is
the home of some of the finest Holstein-Friesian stock found in North-
ern Indiana. 'Mr. Rookstool has been breeding Holstein cattle for a
number of years, and some of his animals have received the highest
marks and credits from competent judges. Both he and his son arc
membei-s of the Holstein-Friesian Association of America.
Mr. Rookstool was born in Elkhart County, Indiana, November 13.
1863, but has spent most of his life in Kosciusko County. This is one
of the pioneer families in Northern Indiana. Samuel and Mary
Rookstool, grandparents of Charles H., moved from Preble County,
Ohio, to Elkhart County, this state, in 1836. Samuel Rookstool was
born in Virginia and his wife in Ohio. They were the parents of a
large family of children.
William Rookstool, father of Charles H., was born in Preble
County, Ohio, August 13, 1835, and was a small infant when his par-
ents moved to Elkhart County. He grew up there and in 1869 brought
his family to Kosciusko County and settled on a farm in section 2 of
Van Buren Township. At first his land had practically no improve-
ments. There was a rough house 16x24 feet and very little land was
cleared ready for eiiltivation. He went through the experiences of the
real pioneer, and eventually made for himself and his family an ex-
cellent property. He owned land in Van Buren Township and also
another farm in Elkhart County. He died January 31. 1889. and his
widow is still living. On February 5, 1857. William Rookstool married
iliss Sophia Grisamer, who was born in Noble County, Indiana. Octo-
ber 27, 1837. one of the nine children of Joseph and Ainia Grisamer.
natives of Pennsylvania. William Rookstool and wife had seven cihl-
dren. The first two died in early childhood. The third in age is
Charles H.. Rosetta is the deceased wife of ilelviu Neft". and Ida M.
died after her marriage to Daniel Nefl:'. Delia is the wife of R. E.
Dewit of ]\Iilford. and Ira died in infancy.
Charles H. Rookstool was born in Elkhart County November 13,
1863, and was about six years of age when his parents left Benton
Township of that county and moved to Van Buren Township of Kosci-
usko County. Here he attended the district schools and lived at home
until after his majority.
In October, 1888, Mr. Rookstool married Miss Minerva J. Dewait.
She was born on the farm where she now lives and was reared and
HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY 503
educated in this coinnmnitj'. Mr. and Mrs. Rookstool have one child,
Iman G., who wa.s born Aiignst 24, 1889, and is a graduate of the com-
mon schools. He married Ethel M. Stiffler on June 16, 1908. She
was born in Turkey Creek Township of this county. Iman G. Rook-
stool and wife have three living children: Merritt, Everett and
Wreathel, while one son, Alva, is deceased.
It was in 1901 that Mr. Rookstool bought his present farm of 200
aci-es. He paid only $5,600 for land which under his management
and with extensive improvements is now conservatively valued ar
$20,000. He has developed it as a thoroughly equipped stock farm.
His fine barn was erected in 1907, and he extensively remodeled his
home in 1908. Mr. Rookstool is a republican, and has received various
honors from his party. Mrs. Rookstool is a member of the Church of
the Brethren.
Jesse D. Cory is a prosperous farmer whose home is two miles
west of Syracu.se in Van Buren Township. The Corys are pioneers
in Northern Indiana, and the family name has always been associated
with honest, sterling worth and good citizenship.
The family was established in Elkhart County in the fall of 1831
by Jeremiah and Dolly Coi->% the former a native of Pennsylvania and
the latter of Kentucky. A son of these parents, A. C. Cory, was
then thirteen j-eai-s of age, having been born in Pickaway County,
Ohio, April 19, 1818. A. ('. Cory in 1837 bought eighty acres of land
in section 1 of Van Buren Township, Kosciusko County. He mauf
the purchase at the general land sale at La Porte. In a clearing made
in the woods he erected a log cabin, and his first year's crop was
an acre of corn. Most of the meat was supplied by the wild game,
principally venison. He was one of the earlier settlers in Van Buren
Township, and lived there to see the entire community transformed
by the work of civilizing mankind. He had many experiences with
wolves and other wild animals, not to speak of the hardships he under-
went in clearing and improving his land. He was a republican in
politics, served as director of the local schools many years, was a mem-
ber of the Baptist Church and at one time a member of the Kosciusko
County Pioneer Association. He first married, in 1839, Sally A.
Mann, who died in 1845. January 4, 1846, he married Mrs. ]\Iatilda
(Wood) Gunter. She was liorn in Ohio October 23, 1820, and her
parents, John G. and Anna Wood, were settlers in Van Buren Town-
ship in 1840.
The father of Jesse U. Cory was Orange L. Cory, who was born in
Elkhart County, Indiana, in 1846, and is now living in Syracuse. He
married Selena Evans who was born in Kosciusko County. After their
marriage they lived in Elkhart Countj' for several years, but finally
moved to Warsaw. Orange Cory served as deputy .sheriff of the
county. He finally moved to Syracuse, where he is now living. He
and his wife had eleven children, seven of whom are still living.
Je.sse D. Cory was born in Elkhart County July 15, 1S6M, hut has
spent most of his life in Kosciusko County. He was educated in dis-
504 HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY
trict schools and remained at home until twenty-one. For a number of
years he has farmed his present place of eighty-nine acres and is a
raiser of the staple crops and of good livestock. He is also a stock-
holder in the local bank. ]\Ir. Cory is affiliated with the Eagles Lodge
at Syracuse and in politics is a republican.
CoLUMBi^s DiSHER. When Columlnis Dislier married, he and his
wife had practically no capital to begin on. ard all they have accumu-
lated since then represents a gi-eat volume of hard and earnest work.
thrifty cooperation, and a strict utilization of all the opportunities
that liave come their way. ^Ir. and IMrs. Disher now have a fine farm
in section 29 of Turkey Creek Township, and besides their material
circumstances they have reared a fine family of young sons.
Mr. Disher was born in Prairie Township of Kosciusko Countv
July 22, 1866. a son of Japeth and Malinda (Boggs) Disher. Both
parents died many years ago, leaving their only son an orphan child.
He was reared in the home of Robert Towns, and had all his earlv
advantages in the district schools. Later he paid his way through
the normal course of the University of Valparaiso, and for twenty
years was one of the successful teachers of Kosciusko County.
October 6, 1889, he married Margaret A. Thomas, who was born in
Scott Township of this county, February 28. 1871. After their mar-
riage i\Ir. Disher continued teaching school in the winter t'me and
farmed in the summer, and in 1902 he and his wife were able to buy
their present farm of 120 acres in sections 28 and 29 of Turkey Creek
Township. Mr. Disher does general fnrming and stock raising, and
has a number of good hogs besides other livestock.
The following sons were born to their marriage : DeWitt, born Feb-
ruary 11, 1891, is a graduate of the common schools and the high
school, married Hattie Kuhn and they reside in Turkey Creek Town-
.ship. Othello, born October 28, 1892, attended high school and is now
with the Oliver Plow Company at South Bend. Ralph, born January
21, 1900, is a graduate of the common schools and attended high
school, but is now enlisted in the United States Army and is with the
Expeditionary Forces in France. Lloyd and Floyd, twins, were born
October 24, 1904. Columbus, the youngest, was born May 1, 1907.
Mr. Disher is a democrat in politics. ]Mrs. Disher was reared and
educated in Scott Township of this county. Her father, Andrew
J. Thomas, was born in North Carolina and was brought to Indiana
when a boy by his parents. The Thomas family was identified with
the early settlement of Kosciusko County. Andrew J. Thomas mar-
ried ilargaret Beckner. a native of Ohio. After their marriage they
lived on a farm in Scott Township, where 'Sh: Thomas died in 1881.
IMrs. Thomas died July 21. 1918. They had nine children, seven of
whom are still living: William E., a retired farmer of Scott Town-
ship; Jacob E.. a carpenter in Scott Township; Jennie, wife of Frank
Binkley, of Bourbon, Indiana ; Ida, wife of Charles Yager, of Scott
Township ; Lewis, principal of the Etna School ; Margaret A.. IMrs.
Disher ; and Charles 0., a retired farmer.
HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY 505
Harley R. Regenos. Five and half miles southwest of Claypool
on rural route No. 1 in Seward Township is a farm that has been
under one management and in the possession of one family for three
successive generations. Its present owner, Harlej' R. Regenos, is a
grandson of the man who cleared the land from tlie woods and insti-
tuted the arts and practices of agriculture. Harley R. Regenos is
also a well known auctioneer and is one of the successful men of affairs
in the township.
He was born on the farm where he now lives January 23, 1883, and
his parents were Jefferson and Mary (Warren) Regenos, the former
a native of Ohio and the latter of Wabash County, Indiana. The
pioneer grandfather was llartin Regenos, who came to Kosciusko
County in 1860 and at that time located on the farm where his grand-
son now lives. Martin Regenos is remembered as a very excellent
type of citizen and was especially devout as a church member and for
forty years was class leader of the United Brethren church. His
son Jefferson was hardly less active in church affairs, while the grand-
son Harley assumes as large a share of church activities as his re-
sponsibilities permit.
Harley Regenos spent part of his early life on the old homestead,
and some years ago returned to it as owner and manager. He has a
place of 100 acres, and it is gaining a wide reputation as the Yellow
Creek View Farm, productive not only of all the staple crops of this
region but of some very high grade livestock. Mr. Regenos has
figured as a crier of public sales for a number of 3'ears and has much
special talent in that direction. He is a leader of the republican
party in his home community and has been nominated for trustee of
Seward Township. He is also at present serving as president of
Seward Township Farmei-s Institute.
November 5, 1904, Mr. Regenos married Miss Minnie Mattix.
She was born in Franklin Township of this county. They have four
young children : Frankie L., Allen Dale, Orlando Dean and Ho Eliz-
abeth.
Jacob E. Doty is widely known over Kosciusko and adjoining
counties as a successful and general contractor with home and head-
quarters at Milford. He has been in the contracting business for a
quarter of a century and has developed an organization that lacks
nothing in efficiency and equipment for handling the largest as well
as the smallest contra,pts for building and general industrial work.
Mr. Doty was born on a farm 21/0 miles east of Milford April 12,
1868, a son of Alonzo and Elizabeth (Rush) Doty, the former a native
of New Jersey and the latter of Pennsylvania. Alonzo Doty grew up
in Ohio and had a notable record as a soldier, being in the war with
Mexico in the '40s and later serving as first lieutenant in the Civil war.
He was wounded in the battle of Shiloh, but after recovering con-
tinued until the end of the struggle. He married for his first wife
Elizabeth Jloore, and they had four children : Elizabeth, wife of Louis
Case; Jennie, wife of George Pentry ; Richard L., who lives in Ten-
nessee, and William, who died in childhood. For his second wife
506 HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY
Alonzo Doty married Elizabeth Rush. By that union there were twci
sons and two daughters, two of whom are still living: Alonzo
Ulysses, a farmer and contractor in Van Bureii. Township of this
county; and Jacob E.
Jacob E. Doty has lived in Milford since he was six years of age.
He attended pulalic schools here and at the age of fourteen began
learning the stone mason's trade. He served a thorough apprentice-
ship in that line, and the large experience gained as a journeyman
brought him a complete and detailed knowledge of nearly every branch
of the contracting business. He became a contractor at the age of
twenty-five, and for a long period of years the business has been
conducted as Doty Brothers.
Mr. Doty married Samantha Miller, daughter of D. W. ililler.
She was reared in Jackson Township of Elkhart County. They have
three daughters : Erma, wife of Charles Troster, of Milford ; Maude,
a graduate of high school and of the State University, wife of Prank
Clover of Gary, Indiana; and Mary E., a graduate of the Milford
High School and the wife of George Keller of Milford. The mother
of these children is now deceased. In September, 1917, Mr. Doty
married Lilah Seniour. He is affiliated with Kosciusko Lodge Xn
418, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, of which he is past mastei
In politics he has been active as a republican, has served as tow"
trustee, and for six years was county engineer of Kosciusko County.
He has also served as a member of the City Council of Milford a num-
ber of years.
Isaac T. Smith. The records of early settlement in Kosciusko
County contain few earlier dates than the year when Jacob Smith,
father of the prosperous and well known farmer of Prairie Township,
Isaac T. Smith, arrived here and acquired his first land in Prairie
Township. The family has had a long and honorable history in con-
nection with agricultural and local affairs since that time, extending
over eight decades.
The fine farm home of Isaac T. Smith is five miles northwest of
Warsaw. He was bom in Prairie Township August 1, 1843, sob of
Jacob and Jerusha (Thomas) Smith. His father was born in Erie
County. Pennsylvania, in 1806 and his mother in Ross County, Ohio.
Jacob Smith on starting west walked all the way from Erie, Pennsyl-
vania, to Logansport, Indiana. He married in that town and lived
there for a year, but in 1833 invaded the woods and prairies of Kosci-
usko County. He entered a tract of Government land in Prairie
Township, and cleared away a place in the midst of the woods for his
log cabin home. He was a quiet, unassuming man, always industrious
and capable in his work, and gained the high esteem of all the citi-
zens of his localitj-. He acquired 340 acres, and was one of the pros-
perous farmers. In politics he was a democrat. Jacob Smith died
in August, 1891, and his wife in 1894. Of their eight children the
following are named: Hiram Smith, who lived in Plain Township,
married Bettie Irwin and died in 1918: Alwilda, widow of Robert
HISTORY OP KOSCIUSKO COUNTY 507
MeBride, living at Leesbiirg; Mary, wife of William Webster, of
Prairie Township ; O. H. P., who died in 1918 ; and Isaac T.
Isaac T. Smith grew np in his native township and had a com-
mon school education. He made good use of his educational oppor-
tunities, and for fourteen years was a successful teacher. On Novem-
ber 26, 1868, he married Maiy J. Rose. She was born in Elkhart
County, Indiana, November 14, 1848, and lived there until her mar-
riage. Mr. Smith has acquired a good farm of 260 acres and for
many years has conducted it with a high degree of efficiency and
profit.
He and his wife have three children : Edward T., a graduate of
the Fort Wayne High School and now lives in Indianapolis ; Claude
M., a graduate of the common schools and living with his parents;
Goldie E., a graduate of the Wai-saw High School, wife of Ralph
Huifer, living in Prairie Township.
Mr. Smith has always been a democrat in politics. In 1884 he
was elected trustee of Prairie Township by a m^.iority of thirty-one,
at a time when the township was considered safely republican by a
margin of twenty-five. He was reelected by a ma.iority of forty-one
in 1880 and 1882. He has always been active in his party and has
neglected no opportunities to cooperate with every worthy movement
in his locality.
Edw^ard H. Smith. There are comparatively few families that
have kept their residence continuously in Kosciusko County for a
period of over eighty years. The present generation of such a family
is represented by Edward H. Smith, one of the able citizens and good
farmers of Pi-airie Township. Mr. Smith lived five miles northwest of
Warsaw, and is now in practically the same locality where this branch
of the Smiths established themselves at a time when Kosciusko County
was filled with heavy woods, Indians and wild game.
The founder of the family here was his grandfather, Jacob Smith,
who was born in Crawford County, Pennsylvania, August 25, 1806,
a son of Peter and Rachel (Reynolds) Smith. Peter and his wife
were both natives of Pennsylvania and married about 1799 and had
eight children. Peter spent his life in Pennsylvania and died there
at the age of sixty-three and his wife passed away in Minnesota.
After reaching maturity Jacob Smith in the fall of 1829 came to
Indiana and explored a considerable portion of the wilderness of the
northern part of the state. For several years he lived at Logansport
in Cass County, but in 1833 was one of the early arrivals in Prairie
Township of Kosciu.sko County. At that time niost of the land had
been surveyed, but very little of it was occupied and a large part was
not yet on the market. In 1834 Jacob Smith bought 320 acres
of land from Edward McCartney, government agent and Indian inter-
preter. Later he had an opportunity to sell half of this land and was
busied with the development and cultivation of a quarter section. As
his prosperity increased he bought other land until he had more than
a half section, and most of it under cultivation. He was one of the
men to whom credit is due for laying the substantial foundation which
508 HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COl^'TT
the present generation of Kosciusko County people enjoy. Jacob
Smith married November 16, 1832, the year before he came to Kosci-
usko County, Miss Jeruslia Thomas, daughter of Isaac and Mary
(Lumbeck) Thomas, natives of Kentucky. This pioneer couple had
a family of eleven children: Edward, who died in infancy, was
born August 31, 1834, and his was the first recorded birth of a white
child on Turkey Creek prairie; Edward SleC. named for the gov-
ernment land agent, was bom September 28, 1836, and was also one
of the first white children born in this county; Alwilda was born
January 28. 1839; Hiram was born ]March 18, 1841; Isaac T. was
born August 1, 1843 ; Oliver H. P., born August 1, 1846 ; Henry 0.,
born July 9, 1848, and died at the age of seven years; Mary I., born
November 9. 1850; Elizabeth A., born January 11, 1852, and died at
the age of eight years ; Dange. born January 7. 1854, died at the ase
of six years, and the youngest born in 1866 died unnamed.
Edward ilcC. Smith grew up in Prairie Township, and was one of
the well known residents of that locality until his death in 1914. He was
affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and a democrat
in politics. He married Jennie Thomas, and they had four children,
Charles, deceased ; Hiram J., a farmer of Prairie Township ; Edward
H. and Susan A., twins, the latter the wife of George Anglin of War-
saw.
Edward H. Smith was born in Prairie Township December 14,
1869. His early environment was the home farm and his ediieation
was supplied by the country schools. On June 12, 1901. be married
]\Iiss Gertrude Anglin. who was born in Etna Township February 8,
1875, daughter of William B. Anglin of this county. After their
marriage Mr. and Mrs Smith located on a place a half mile west of
where the.v now live. Their present farm comprises 368 acres, all in
Prairie Township, is one of the high class estates of the county,
devoted to general farming and stock raising. Mrs. Sm'th was edu-
cated in the common schools, and for several years before her marriage
taught in Prairie and Scott townships. Mr. and Mrs. Smith have two
children : Charles W., born July 4, 1905. and Arthur E.. born Feb-
ruarv 13, 1911. Mi-s. Smith is a member of the ^Millwood Chapel of
the Christian Church. Mr. Smith is a democrat and is affiliated with
Leesburg Lodge No. 192, Knights of Pj-thias.
Fr.\xklix Byrer was brought to Kosciusko County over half a
century ago, has lived in this and in surrounding counties of the
state most of his life, and though formerly a shoemaker has gradu-
allj' devoted more and more of his energies to farming and has one of
the good places of Prairie Township, four miles northwest of Warsaw.
He was born in Stark County. Ohio. April 25, 1848. son of Jacob
and Barbara (Spiegel) Byrer. His father was born in Pennsvl-
vania in 1821, and his mother in Ohio, in which state they married.
They had only one child, Franklin, who was nine months old when
his mother died in 1849. His father came to Indiana in 1865 and W
cated at Clunatt in Prairie Township. He bought eighty-five acres
at Stony Point, but made his home in Clunatt and followed the tvnA"
HISTORY OP KOSCIUSKO COUNTY 509
of shoemaker tliere until his death on July 12, 1885. For his second
wife he married Lydia ]\Iyers, and they had three children, only one
now living, Wilson B.vrer, of Clunatt.
Franklin Byrer attended school at Clunatt and under the direc-
tion of his father learned the trade of shoemaker. He stayed at home
working in his father's shop until 1880, when he moved to Marshall
County and bought a farm. In 1890 he sold his place there and re-
turned to Kosciusko County. On July 12. 1909, he came to his present
place of ninety-five acres and by his long continued industry and
good management has been prospered and has everything to satisfy the
modest wants of himself and family.
December 24. 1871, Mr. Bvrer married Anna R. Reisch. She was
born in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, and was brought to this
eoiinty when a girl. To their marriage were born six children, three
of whom are now deceased. Ellery is unmarried and living at home.
Warren married Iva Moore, who died leaving two children. Clarence
0., who lives in Etna Township, married Erbie Dunick and has two
children. The family are members of the United Brethren Church.
William G. Irwin. One of the families to be properly included
in this record of Kosciusko County people is that of William G. Irwin,
a farmer, I14 miles north of Atwood in Prairie Township.
The Irwins have been here since pioneer times, and Mr. Irwin was
born on his parents' farm in Washington Town.ship, northwest of
Pierceton, May 10, 1862, son of Stewart and Sarah A. (Richie) Irwin.
His parents were both natives of Ireland. His father was born in
1812 and his mother in County Tyrone in 1831. Stewart Irwin came
to the United States with his parents and located in Logan County,
Ohio, while Sarah Richie's family first located at Greenfield in
Hancock County, Indiana. Thej' were married in Ohio and lived on
a farm in that state for a time, and on coming to Kosciusko County
they settled in Washington Township, but after a year moved to
Tippecanoe Township, spent another twelve months there, and then
bought their home in Prairie Township where they lived until death.
Mrs. Sarah Irwin was a member of the United Brethren church. He
was a republican. They had eight children, two of whom died in in-
fancy. The others are: Robert C. ; John R., a farmer north of
Atwood; William G. ; Sarah, wife of Prank W. Harman of Prairie
Township ; James S., a farmer in Wisconsin ; and Sherman C, a
carpenter at Chattanooga, Tennessee.
William G. Irwin was reared in this county, attended the common
schools and was an industrious helper at home until the age of twenty-
si.x. He then married Miss Carrie A. Lutes, who died fifteen months
later, leaving no children. Por his second wife Mr. Irwin married
Clara J. Miner, and they became the parents of four children:
Joseph S., Justin D., Sherman R. and Carrie A. After the death
of his second wife Mr. Irwin married, September 4, 1913, Mrs. S. C.
Webb. They are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church at
Atwood. Mr. Irwin is a past chancellor of the Knights of Pythias
and is a republican, having served as local committeeman for twelve
510 HISTORY OF K08C1U.SK0 COUNTY
years. He is a man of quiet and unassuming citizenship, does his part
in local affairs, and is industriously managing his home farm of forty
Alonzo U. Doty. Practically every one in the northern part of
Kosciusko County knows of the enterprise and vigor with which mem-
bers of the Doty family manage all their affairs. Alonzo I^ Doty is
both a practical and thorough farmer and also a member of the firm
Doty Brothers, general contractors, who handle general building, road
making and other work all over this and surrounding counties.
Mr. Dotv was born in Jeffei-son Township of Kosciusko County
July 4, 1863, son of Alonzo and Elizabeth (Rush) Doty. His father
was born in New York City and his mother in Ohio. Both families
came to Indiana in early days, and Elizabeth Rush grew up in Kosci-
usko County. Alonzo Doty. Sr., was reared in New York State and
learned the machinist's trade in Ohio. He had an interesting record
as a soldier, going into the army at the time of the ilexican war.
He was discharged as a lieutenant. When the Civil war broke out
he organized a company and went in as lieutenant and was promoted
to captain. After the war he came to Kosciusko County. His fii-st
wife was Miss Moore, and her children still living are ]Mary. Richard,
Jennie and Elizabeth. By his marriage to Elizabeth Rush, Alonzo
Doty, Sr., had four children : Alonzo U. ; Rosa, deceased wife of Henry
Newcomb ; Matilda, deceased wife of Harry Tripp ; and Jacob E.,
who is a partner with his brother in the firm of Doty Brothers.
Alonzo U. Doty spent the first thirteen years of his life on his
father's farm and in the meantime acquired a fair education in the
district school. At the age of fourteen he went to work at the mason's
trade, and that has been an important line of his work to the present
time. He and his brother have handled some very large contracts in
this part of the state. In October, 1896, ^Ir. Doty moved to his farm of
eighty-three acres three quarters of a mile south and a quarter of a
mile east of Milford and conducts his farm in the same thorough and
efficient manner in which he does his contracting work.
Mr. Doty married Cora B. Huffman and they began housekeeping
at Milford. She was bom in Preble Count}-, Ohio, and was educated
in the local schools. They are the parents of eleven children: Lulu,
wife of Lloyd Felkner; Ollie, wife of C. A. Gawthrop; Harry, who
married Nina Sharp ; Pearl, Ray, Bessie, Dwight, George, Bernice,
Dorothy and Henry. Mr. Doty is a past gi-and of Milford Lodge
No. 478, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and has sat in the
Grand Lodge. He is a republican in polities. For twenty years
he held the office of constable.
Martin V. McClintic, a prosperous farmer of Turkey Creek Town-
ship, represents the third generation of a family that became identified
with Kosciusko County about eighty years ago. The name has been
associated with good citizenship, capable industry as farmers, and
faithful performance of all community responsibilities.
Mr. McClintic was born on the farm where he still resides, July 14,
HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY 511
1878, son of John and Lydia (Koher) McCliutie. His father was born
in 1837 and his mother in Adams County, Indiana, in 1845. The fam-
ily was founded here by the grandfather, Esten McClintic, who when
the country was all new acquired 563 acres in Turkey Creek Town-
ship, and there developed a large farm and enjoyed every degree of
prosperity corresponding to his time and generation. He was the
father of a large family, consisting of Abbie, Elizabeth, William,
Mitchell, Margaret, Lucinda, Julia A, Mary, Aaron and John.
John McClintic grew up in Kosciusko County, and after his mar-
riage settled on the land where his son Martin now lives. He and his
wife spent the rest of their days in that home. He was a soldier of the
Union Army, enlisting in Company I of the Thirty-Fifth Indiana,
and saw much hard and active service. In politics he voted as a dem-
ocrat. He and his wife had four children : Esten E., of Syracuse ;
Charles F., formerly an engineer with the Interstate Steel Corpora-
tion of Chicago ; Martin V. ; and John C, who was killed bv a horse
in 1894. -^
:\Iartin V. McClintic grew up on the home farm and had a dis-
trict school education. At the age of thirteen, when his mother died,
he went to live in the home of his uncle, Mitchell McClintic. Mr.'
McClintic also has an army record, gained during the brief war with
Spain. He enlisted April 23, 1898, in Company H of the One Hun-
dred and Sixtieth Indiana Volunteers, and saw three months of
active service on the Island of Cuba. He was mustered out April
On January 11, 1898, Mr. McClintic married Miss Sarah V. Hall.
Five children have been born to their marriage: Marie, Gerald de-
cea.sed. Donald. Mildred and Ethel.
ilr. McClintic owns a half interest in the 139 acres of the old home-
stead, and is busily engaged in general farming and stock raising. He
IS an independent voter and is affiliated with North "Webster Lodse
No. 367, Knights of Pythias.
Sherman Huffer. Among the men of Kosciusko County who
have won success by industry, good management and hard and well
directed efforts is Sherman Huffer, whose home and farm are in
Monroe Township, 21/0 miles south and two miles west of Pierceton
on rural route No. 6. Huffer is a name that has long been well and
favorably known in the county. One of the members of the family
IS now sheriff, and the name has always been associated with hon-
orable and straightforward living and good and useful citizenship.
Sherman Huffer was born in Prairie Township of this county, Jan-
uary 31, 1865, and is a son of the late Rudolph Huffer. Rudolph
Huffer was born in Berks County, Pennsylvania, February 6, 1831,
son of Daniel and Sarah Huffer, natives of the same state. "He' is one
of ten children and when he was four years of age his parents moved
to Fairfield County, Ohio. In 1854 Rudolph Huffer came to Kosciusko
County, living at Warsaw two years, and working at the trade of
blacksmith, which he had learned in Ohio. From Warsaw he moved
to Prairie Township, was a farmer there about eight years, and
512 HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY
later settled upon a farm in section 28 of Harrison Township. He first
acquired 160 acres, and gradually cleared away the heavy gi-owth of
timber and added to his farm until he had 200 acres and was
regarded as one of the most prosperous men of his community. At
the time he came to the county his wealth consisted of .$530. He was
also a man of affairs, ser-vdng as township tri;stee and as school direc-
tor. In politics he was a republican and at one time took a very
active part in the Kosciusko County Agricultural Society.
In Kosciusko County Rudolph Huffer married, October 11, 1855,
Miss Sarah Staymates, daughter of Jacob Staymates, one of the pio-
neers of Harrison Township. Rudolph Huffer and wife had eleven
children, nine of whom are still living : Jacob D., present sheriff of
the county ; Horton C, of Warsaw ; Sarah C, wife of Charles Vander-
mark, of Burkett, Indiana : Gertrude, who married James Falley ;
Charles D., who lives in Franklin Township ; Lawrence, now deceased ;
Joseph and Edmond, both of Harrison Township ; Jennie, wife of
Tilden ]\Iilburn : Pearl, wife of Roll Anglin ; and Sherman.
Sherman Huffer grew up on his father's fann in Harrison Town-
ship, and gained his education in the district schools there. At the
age of twenty-one he entered into a formal agreement with his father
to work on the farm, and remained there one year. He then took
employment with the late Horace Tucker, and put in good and faith-
ful service with that well known farmer for three years before his mar-
riage and remained with him seven years longer. He then bought
131 acres where he now lives in ]\Ionroe Township, and has occupied
this place continuously since the spring of 1898. The farm stands
as a monument to his industry and good management. Mr. Huffer
has always kept good grades of stock and his success is due to the same
degree of efficiency that a merchant or manufacturer employs in his
business.
Mr. Huffer married Phoebe Smith, a native of Kosciusko County
and daughter of Samuel Smith. They have four children : Russell
E., who is a graduate of the common schools and married Mary
Cook; Monroe R., a graduate of the common schools, married Florence
Dunkelberger ; "\^esta M. and Velma G., both of whom have finished
their education and are now married. Vesta M. married Harry R.
Taylor, of Chicago, but who is now on the firing line in France.
Velma G. married Carl Snell, whose home is in Jackson Township.
He is now in training at Camp Custer, Michigan. The famih- are
members of the Christian Church and in politics Mr. Huffer is a
republican.
Charles J\I. Tucker, a son of Albert Tucker and grandson of the
pioneer John Tucker, both of whom are referred to more at length on
other pages, is recognized as the largest land owner and farmer, feeder
and shipper of livestock in Franklin Township. He does busi-
ness on a large scale, employs a number of men on his farms, and has
made a success of agriculture and stock husbandry without indulging
in any fads and fancies. ]Mr. Tucker has gone in for registered and
HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY 513
blue ribbon stock only on a very limited scale and without interfering
with his major operations as a stock feeder.
The farm where he lives today was the scene of his birth on July
10, 1870. As a boy he attended the public schools, part of his educa-
tion being acquired at Mentone. lie started out with an independent
capital of about $2,500, and has since accumulated 1,500 acres of
land and has more of it in cultivation to grain crops than any other
farmer in that part of the county. As a rule Mr. Tucker cultivates
about 170 acres in wheat, 160 in oats and 160 acres in corn. On his
pastures and feed lots he runs about 250 head of cattle, 275 head of
hogs, a few sheep, and for a number of years has been a breeder,
buj'er and seller of horses. He has had as many as 100 horses at one
time. Mr. Tucker is an unrivaled judge of livestock, and it was his
keen judgment of stock that has brought him his chief success.
Mr. Tucker married Miss Susanna Eiler, daughter of Henry and
Ellen Eiler. She was born in Franklin Township and finished her
education at Warsaw. Her father, Henry Eiler, was both a farmer
and lawyer. While living on his farm he was elected to the office
of prosecuting attorney of Kosciusko County, and then moved to
Warsaw, where he died. He was one of the prominent republicans
of the county. Mr. and Mrs. Tucker had nine children : Nellie, the
eldest, a graduate of the Mentone High School, and is the wife of
Professor Earl Blue, of the Warsaw High School ; Mars, the second
child, graduated from the iMentone High School and married Faun
Doran, and has two children ; Floyd, a graduate of the common schools,
married Flo Igo ; Cuba is a graduate of the high school at Beaver Dam ;
Mary graduated from the high school at Beaver Dam ; Chauncey, aged
eleven, Edison, aged seven, and Curtis, aged four, are the younger
children in the home circle. Lillian, seventh child in order of birth,
died when six months old.
Mr. Tucker has always been a liberal supporter of churches and
every worthy movement in his community. He is affiliated with Men-
tone Lodge of Masons and with the Royal Arch Chapter Council and
Knight Templar Commandery at Warsaw. Politically he is a repub-
lican. Mr. Tucker is a stockholder in the Mentone Bank.
George W. Smith has given about forty years of his career to the
business of farming, and is still one of the useful men in Kosciusko
County in keeping up the volume of production that constitutes the
Quota of this county and state to fill the needs of the Government and
the allies. Uv. Smith's farm is two miles south of Mentone in Frank-
lin Township.
In that township he has spent practically all the days of his life
He was born February 3, 1856, son of Leonard and Mary (Heise)
Smith. His parents were both natives of Pennsylvania, married
there, and in 1849 came to Franklin Township, when that district
was still in the woods. Leonard Smith did a good deal toward mak-
ing a farm, but died at an early age in 1864. His widow survived
him until 1892. Both were active church members, and he was
affiliated with the republican party from the time of its organization
514 HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY
until his death. In the family were four daughters and six sons, four
of whom are living : Daniel, a farmer in Fulton County, Indiana ;
A. J. Smith, of Franklin Township ; Albert, a farmer in Michigan ;
and George W.
George W. Smith as a boy attended the district schools and made
such good use of his educational oppoi-tunities that he himself taught
for several terms in Franklin and Seward townships. August 23,
1884, he married Miss Rosa Jones. She was born in Seward Town-
ship of this county June 10, 1865, daughter of Samuel and Eliza J.
Jones. Mrs. Smith was reared on a farm a mile south of Burkett, and
was educated in the public schools at Piereeton and in the high school
at "Warsaw. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Smith located on the
farm where they now reside. The home farm comprises 120 acres,
and they also have eighty acres in Seward Township.
Their only child, Cora F., was born August 15, 1885, and died
September 13, 1896. Mr. and Mrs. Smith are active members of the
Methodist Episcopal Church at IMentone, and in politics he is a
republican. For two terms he was honored by his fellow citizens for
the office of trustee of Franklin Township, and made his administra-
tion a forceful and wise one, productive of much good to the local
schools.
Albert L. Tucker. Member of one of the oldest families of
Kosciusko County, Albert L. Tucker, of Mentone, has displayed
many of the characteristics of the family in his makeup and experi-
ence, and has become widelj- known through his success as a farmer
and stock dealer.
He was born in Franklin Township of this county September 19,
1849, son of Horace and Eliza (Johnson) Tucker. Albert L. Tucker
grew up on the home farm, attended the district schools in winter, and
developed his strength by actual practice in the fields in summer.
At the age of nineteen he married Elizabeth Bechtelheimer on
March 4, 1868. After his marriage he lived at home two years and
his father then gave him $6,000 and with it he bought a farm
of 208 acres, assuming a debt of $6,200. Later he bought another
eighty acres and he still owns the original 208 acres. He has been a
practical farmer, but more particularly has been successful in the
buying and selling of cattle, sheep and hogs.
Mr. Tucker by his first wife had eight children: Elmore; Effie,
wife of Leonard Summe ; Ivan, a farmer in Franklin Township ; Ida,
widow of Lawrence Huffer; Roy, a farmer in the State of Washing-
ton ; John, a railroad conductor living at Chicago ; Millie, wife of
Arthur Getty, living at Silver Lake ; and Dr. Frank C, of Claypool.
After the death of his first wife Mr. Tucker married Emma Mabe,
and they had two children, Una and Horace, but the last named is
deceased. For his third wife he married Lulu (Tipton) Tucker, and
their two children are Deart A. and Rex Le Roy. Lulu Tucker by her
first marriage to John Tucker, had three daughters, Ethel, Lena and
Anna ; Ethel and Lena are attending the Mentone High School and
Anna is deceased.
HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY 515
Albert L. Tucker is a democrat in politics, and the only member
of the numerous Tucker family in Kosciusko County to espouse that
political allegiance. He lives in a township that is republican normal-
l.y. but when he was nominated by the democrats as candidate for
trustee his well known ability and personal popularity elected him,
and he served four years very creditably.
William F. Baugher. It has been the good fortune of "William
F. Baugher to spend his life 'in Kosciusko County, where he has been
identified with the noble calling of agriculture, and has been consist-
ently public spirited in his attitude toward all common and public
duties. The farm from which he has long enjoyed the fruits and
where he still lives is in Turkey Creek Township.
He wa.s born in Tippecanoe Township of this county January 1,
1859. The old homestead that M'as his birthplace is now owned by his
brother. John A. Baugher. He is a son of Charles and Henrietta
(Gugeler) Baugher. His father, a native of Germany, came to the
United States when a young man in order to avoid and escape the
enforced military duty, and from New York City he came westward,
first to Ohio and later ai-rived in Kosciusko County. He was a suc-
cessful and prosperous farmer and lived on his farm for many years,
but finally retired to North Webster, where both he and his wife
died. They were membei-s of the Methodist Episcopal church. In
their family were five sons and two daughters: Matilda and Jacob,
both deceased ; John A., owner of the homestead in Tippecanoe Town-
ship; William F. ; Louise, widow of William Gross; Christian, who
lives in Kansas : and Henry, deceased.
William F. Baugher grew up on the old home farm and attended
the district schools to the age of thirteen. Since that time he has been
more than paying his own way in the world, and he remained at home
and worked the farm till twenty-one, and then entered into a formal
agreement with his father to run the homestead.
In 1891 he married Miss Alice Gross, a native of Turkey Creek
Township. For two years after their marriage they continued to rent
the old farm and Mr. Baugher then bought seventy-one acres included
in his present farm.
Mr. Baugher is a democrat in politics and is affiliated with Mil-
ford Lodge No. 178 of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He
lost his wife March 20, 1896, after a married life of only five years.
One child is still living, Zepha. She had a district school education
and on February 22, 1911, married Clinton Cox. Mr. and ]\li-s. Cox
have one child, Dallas, born March 15, 1916.
David Lewellen is one of the oldest residents of Kosciusko County
and was here when everything was in a pioneer condition. He has
witnessed the events and changes of seventy years in this locality
and is one of the few men still surviving who cast a vote for Abraham
Lincoln.
Mr. Lewellcn was born in Stark County, Ohio, July 4, 1838, a son
516 HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY
of William and ^lavy (Fore) Lewellen, the former a native of the
vicinity of Philadelphia and the latter of Ohio. They married in
Ohio aiid in 1844 brought their family to Koseinsko County and located
in Tippecanoe Township. David Lewellen grew up in the old home in
Tippecanoe Township, and his advantages in the way of education
was confined to only a few days in the district schools. After his
father's death he lived with liis mother and later engaged in farming
for himself. He has lived on his present home farm for thirty-four
years. It comprises ninety- four acres in Turkey Creek Township and
he also owns forty acres in another place. His success has been due to
a combination of general farming and stock raising.
Mr. Lewellen married Lizzie Kitten, daughter of David Ritten.
Their children are William, Daniel, Sallie, Aquilla, Etta and Simeon.
Though Mr. Lewellen cast a vote in war times for Abraham Lincoln
he has as a rule been a democrat.
Samuel Kelley. Though one of the newer residents of Franklin
Township, Samuel Kelley has been a welcome addition to the local
citizenship, since he is a man of enterprise as a farmer and is owner
of one of the best places in the northern part of the township. His
home is in section 14. two miles south and a mile west of ^lentone.
This. branch of the Kelley family was identified with the pioneer
settlement of Grant County, Indiana. The history of Grant County
records that a Samuel Kelley located in Green Township as early as
1846. and when the township was organized a year or so later the first
election was held in Samuel Kelley 's home. It was in Green Town-
ship that !Mr. Samuel Kelley was born ilay 5, 1864, a son of James
and Susanna (IMcClain) Kelley. His father was a native of Henry
County, Indiana, and his mother of Ohio. James Kelley was taken
to Grant County when a bo.v, and grew up and married there. After
his marriage he settled in Green Township and he and his wife spent
the rest of their days there. Both were very active members of the
Church of Christ, which he served as trustee, and as a republican he
was honored with election as trustee of Green Township two terms.
James Kellev and wife had eleven children : Elizabeth, deceased wife
of David Tliearlkill: John C, who lives at Swayzee : William H., of
Greentown, Indiana: Abraham L., of Howard County; Mary A., wife
of Stephen Martin: Samuel; Adelia, wife of Eph Allen; Maria, wife
of Frank Downs ; James, a farmer in Fulton County ; David, a farmer
in Van Buren Town.ship of Grant County; and Cora, wife of George
Horine.
Samuel Kelley grew up in his parents' home in Grant County, was
educated in the district schools and lived at home until grown. While
working a farm he also bought and operated for six years a tile mill,
and manufactured great quantities of tile used in draining the fields
of his community.
November 21, 1889, he married Rosa B. Morris. She was born
in Carroll County, Missouri. January 25, 1870, but spent her girl-
hood largely in ]\iiami and Grant counties of this state. After their
marriage Mr. and Mrs. Kelley lived nine years in Green Township o-''
HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY 517
Grant County, and in 1898 came to Kosciusko County. Their first
home, for four years, was in Warsaw, later they moved to the Pal-
estine community, and from there came to their present farm. The
prosperity represented in their land and its improvements is almost
entirely the result of their work, thrift and careful management since
they were married.
Mr. and Mrs. Kelley had eight children : Belle B., a graduate of the
Warsaw High School," for three terms a teacher and now wife of D.
W. Henderson, of Atwood ; Dale, who graduated fi'om high school
and from Muneie College with the degree A. B., was a successful
teacher for four years, but when the war broke out with Germany
he enrolled in an officer's training camp and is now serving with
a commission as second lieutenant in France ; Carol, a graduate of high
school, was also a teacher three terms, and is now the wife of Francis
MeSherry, and lives in Seward Township ; Vere, a graduate of high
school, is a practical farmer at home, and on August 24, 1918, mar-
ried Miss Vera Blue, daughter of A. W. Blue ; the other three chil-
dren still living, all at home are Blond, Blanche and Beulah L. The
family are members and take an active part in the Church of Christ at
Mentone. Mr. Kelley is an elder and trustee of the church. He is a
republican, but has never sought nor held public office.
Wa,LiAM M. Hartzell. It is the life of real performance and of
quiet and effective work in all circumstances that offers the least ma-
terial for description, and yet no life means more to the community
in which it has been lived.
This is true of the career of William M. Hartzell, one of the lead-
ing farmers of Scott Township, who is now concluding his first
term as tnistee of that township, an office conferred upon him by the
confidence of his fellow citizens, and which he has completely justified
by his administration.
Mr. Hartzell was born in Etna Township of this county February
15, 1869, a son of John and Belinda (Messimore) Hartzell. His
parents were both born in Ohio and were married in Kosciusko County.
They lived on a farm, and John Hartzell was also a carpenter. They
were members of the Christian Church and in politics he was a re-
publican.
William M. Hartzell started his career as a wage earner and
worker in the world at the age of thirteen. After that he was privi-
leged to attend the local schools only two and a half months each year
until he was eighteen. He got his start by working at monthly wages,
and at the age of twenty-eight was able to boast the ownership of forty
acres of land.
In the meantime, in January, 1887, he married Ida Jones, who was
born in Marshall County, Indiana, but was reared in Kosciusko
County. After their marriage they lived on their first farm of forty
acres for nine years, and then bought their present place of 105 acres
in Scott Township. Mrs. Hartzell is a member of the Christian
Church. He is a democrat in politics and was elected on that ticket
trustee of Scott Township. His present term expires January 1, 1919,
518 HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY
and he is now the party nominee for a second term, which he com-
pletely deserves.
Silas Duncan. One of the best known citizens of Scott Township
is Silas Duncan, who for many years has lived in Kosciusko County
and is still vigorously and diligently attending to his duties as a
farmer and stock raiser on his place four and three-ciuarter miles
southeast of Nappanee.
]\Ir. Duncan was born in Putnam County, Missouri, June 7, 1855,
a son of Silas and Isabelle (Cook) Duncan. He was the youngest of
four children and his birth occurred after his father's death. He
has a sister still living, Lucinda, widow of James Stackhouse of Bour-
bon. Indiana.
In April, 1863, Mrs. Silas Duncan, the widowed mother, came to
Kosciusko County with her children and settled in Scott Township,
where she lived until her death. She had married John ^l. Miller in
Missouri, and they traveled overland from that state to Indiana in a
wagon. The father of Silas Duncan, Sr., was an Englishman and his
wife was an Irish woman. During the journey from ]\Iissouri to
Indiana John M. Miller and family stayed all night with a farmer,
and the next morning they were unable to find the proper change to
settle the bill and it was agreed that ilr. Miller would leave the money
with a merchant in the next town five miles away. On reaching that
town Mr. Miller made the necessary inquiry and left the sum pre-
scribed. The transaction was witnessed by a half dninken man. who
came up to Mr. Miller and invited him to drink. j\lr. ^liller at first
refused, but on being told by the bibulous individual that his father
had often admonished him whenever he met an honest man to treat
him, Mr. Miller conceded a point and accepted the treat. ;\Ir. and
Mrs. Miller had one daughter, Anna B., wife of William H. dinger,
of "Warsaw.
Silas Duncan, Jr., was only eight years of age when he came with
his mother to Scott Township. He lived at home until he was sixteen
and then started out for himself, having some knowledge of farming
and a fair district school education. On June 19. 1881. he married
i\Iary A. Harlan, who was bom in Prairie Township of this county
AugTist 24, 1854, daughter of William and Eliza (Boggess) Harlan.
She was reared in Van Buren Township and attended the district
schools there. After their marriage ]Mr. and Mrs. Duncan settled on
her mother's farm and lived there for some years and then moved
to Plain Township, and from there in 1906 came to their present place
of fifty acres in Scott Township. Mr. and Mrs. Duncan are members
of the Church of God and in politics he is a republican. Their chil-
dren are : Morris, who is married and lives in Van Buren Township :
William H.. whose home is west of Warsaw; Charles L.. deceased;
Nora T.. wife of William Cain of Scott Township; Maude, wife of
James McCubbin of Leesburg ; and Caroline, unmarried and at home.
Mrs. Duncan is, as already noted, a daughter of William and Eliza
Harlan. Her great-grandfather, George Harlan, was a native of Vir-
ginia, moved in pioneer times to Kentucky, and in 1806 left that state
HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY 519
and went to Ohio, and died near Dayton. He had eleven children,
seven sons and four daughters, James, Samuel, John M., George, "Wil-
liam, Elijah, Jacob, Elizabeth. Sarah, Nancy and Mary Jane.
Samuel Harlan, gi'andfather of Mrs. Duncan, was born January
11, 1800, and died December 22, 1842. On coming to Indiana he first
settled in Wayne County and afterwards in Henry County. His sec-
ond wife was Eliza Adney, and they had five children.
William Harlan, father of Mrs. Duncan, was born in Henry
County, Indiana, and in 1852 married Eliza Boggess. By that mar-
riage there were four children : Jerome ; Mary, Mrs. Duncan ; Soph-
ronia. wife of John Estep ; and George. Mrs. Duncan's mother died
in 1859 and her father then married Caroline Raker, who bore him
four children.
Edpon B. S.vrber. For the past twelve years the county superin-
tendent of schools in Kosciusko County has been Edson B. Sarber.
Mr. Sarber has given nearly all his active lifetime to educational work,
though for a considerable period he was trustee of his home township
and looked after its educational interests more in a business and finan-
cial way than as an instructor. In his work as a schoolman, particu-
larly in furnishing wholesome instruction to the younger generation
concerning the activities and character of the pioneers who developed
this county, Mr. Sarber has many fruitful lessons in his own family
history. He represents one of the oldest names of Kosciusko County,
and his grandfather and father before him were very useful and
influential citizens here in the early times.
Abraham Sarber, his grandfather, was especially identified with
the pioneer annals. He married Louisa Hendren, and after their mar-
riage they lived for two years in Franklin County, Ohio, sold their
farm there and moved to Putnam County, Ohio, and settled in the
midst of a wilderness where their nearest white neighbors were ten
miles away. In that isolated community they lived and worked for
six years. Abraham Sarber acquired several tracts of land in Putnam
County, and on one of these he founded the town of Kalida. In 1836
he sold his interests in Ohio and moved to Iroquois County, Illinois.
Prom Illinois in the fall of 1840 Abraham Sarber brought his
family to Kosciusko County, Indiana. Thenceforward for a period of
full three quarters of a century the name has been one of wide reach-
ing influence in this locality. In 1841 Abraham Sarber built a saw
mill at Palestine, and in 1843 he added a gi-ist mill to his plant. In
1843 his mill sawed the lumber for the first frame court house built
in Kosciusko County. His were the first mills of any importance in
the southern part of the county. In the fall of 1843 Abraham Sarber
sold his milling plant and bought a farm in the north part of Harrison
Township, where he lived until the death of his wife in 1863. He then
bought a farm near Atwood, and lived in the Town of Atwood until
his death. For his second wife he married Miss Eliza Crane, of Ham-
ilton Count.y, Ohio. The only son of this union was David, who
became a newspaper man in California. The eight children of Abra-
ham and Louisa Sarber were: William, Adam, Melissa, Amanda,
520 HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY
Mary, Thomas B., Dorothy and John, the first four having been born
in Ohio and the last three in Kosciusko County, Indiana.
Thomas B. Sarber, father of the county superintendent of schools,
was born in Harrison Township of Kosciusko County, October 4, 1842.
He was reared on a farm, acquired an education in the local schools
and also attended school in Warsaw in 1858-59. On May 24, 1863, he
married Miss Martha A. Timraons, daughter of William and Catherine
(Dunnuck) Timmons. The Timmons family settled in Wayne Town-
ship of Kosciusko County in 1845. After his marriage Thomas B.
Sarber lived in Allen County, Indiana, one year, then returned to
Harrison Township of Kosciusko County, and in 1866 bought his
farm in Seward Township. The land which he acquired there was an
unbroken wilderness. As his father had done before him, he under-
took a pioneer task in its clearing and development. His first home
there was an old log cabin that had been standing a number of years,
and in 1868 he replaced that rude habitation with a comfortable resi-
dence, and in the course of time that became one of the best improved
and most valuable farms in Seward Township. Thomas B. Sarber has
figured iu politics to a considerable extent, though as a democrat he
was usually on the minority side. In 1884 he was an unsuccessful
candidate for sheriff, but ran a hundred votes ahead of the state
ticket. He has been a member of democratic committees and attended
a number of conventions. He was a passenger on the fii'St train of
ears that passed through Seward Township. In the Spring of 1882
he built the first store in Burkett, Indiana. Thomas B. Sai'ber and
wife became the parents of three children : Edson B. ; Louisa C.
deceased; aud Andrew E. Andrew was for several years a teacher.
Edson B. Sarber, who may well be proud of the sturdy stock from
which he is descended, was bom on a farm in Allen County, Indiana,
March 11, 1864. As already stated, his parents after their marriage
lived about a year in Allen County, but then returned to Kosciusko
County. Edson B. Sarber grew up on the old homestead of his father
in Kosciusko County, acquired a primary education in the neighboring
schools, and for a time attended the two-room school building at
Sevastopol. When only sixteen years of age he taught his first term
of school, in a school house located two miles from home. For ten
years his -i^ork as an educator was confined to the country schools, and
for eight years he was principal of the cshools at Burkett, the little
village where his father had built the first store. In the meantime
he had been bending his efforts toward gaining a broader and more
liberal education. He spent several summer tenns in the Northern
Indiana Normal School at Valparaiso, paying his own way from his
own earnings as a teacher. He pursued an elective course, and is
broadly educated without having acquired a college degree.
On September 16, 1883, Mr. Sarber married Miss Olive A. Rickel,
daughter of George W. and Mary Rickel. Her parents are substan-
tial farming people living near the Village of Sevastopol.
After having taught for a number of years Mr. Sarber in Novem-
ber, 1900, was elected trustee of Seward Township, and was therefore
HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY 521
obliged during his term of office to give up his work as a teacher. As
the township trustees employ the teachers it would hardly have been
ethical for himself as trustee to have employed himself as teacher.
He continued in the office of trustee iihtW June, 1903, when he re-
signed to assume his duties as superintendent of schools for the entire
county, an office to which he had been elected a short time before. By
re-election he has been kept in the office of county superintendent to
the present time, and it can be said to the credit of his administration
that the schools have never shown greater progress during any one
ten year period than under the direction of Mr. Sarber.
James P. Fogle has spent most of his life in Kosciusko County
and his birth occurred in a house that stood on the interurban corner
in Warsaw, June 30, 1860. Mr. Fogle is a baker by trade, was in
the baking and confectionery business for many years, but about ten
j-ears ago retired to a farm and is making a notable success as a farmer
and stock raiser in Plain Township.
Mr. Fogle is a son of Jacob J. and Christina (Perkey) Fogle. His
parents were both born in Stark County, Ohio, his father at the City
of Canton. Both the Fogle and Perkey families have long been iden-
tified with Kosciusko County, the mother coming here with her parents
at the age of fourteen. Jacob J. Fogle came here in 1855, locating at
Warsaw, where he followed his trade as a brass molder. He was also
a farmer and general laborer. He was affiliated with Kosciusko Lodge
No. 62, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, serving as Noble Grand
and as chief patriarch of the Encampment. The mother died in 1902.
They had three children: James P., Nancy, who died at the age of
three years, and John D., who lives at Bourbon, Indiana.
James P. Fogle grew up at Warsaw and attended the public
schools there. When fourteen years old he began learning the baker 's
trade, and after following it for a time established a shop of his own
at Bourbon, Indiana, but lost everything in a fire. After that he
became a real journeyman, traveling over the countrj^ and spending
a short time in Florida. Eeturning to Warsaw he opened a bakery
and confectionery store and was steadily in business there for thirtj'
years.
In 1891 Mr. Fogle married Ida May Fletcher, of South Whitley.
She was born in Whitley County, Indiana, and was educated in the
common schools. Some years ago Mr. Fogle bought 115 acres in
Plain Township, and he and his wife moved to the land and
have occupied it as their home since 1907. Mrs. Fogle is a member
of the Methodist Episcopal Church. She is a past grand of Salome
Lodge .No. 27, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, a past president of
the Women's Relief Corps of Warsaw, and was secretary of the For-
eign Jlissionary Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church for seven
years. Mr. Fogle is past patriarch of the Encampment and for twelve
years was trustee of his lodge. In politics he votes as a republican.
James Cox is one of the high class and enterprising citizens of
Franklin Township, has a good farm two miles south and half a mile
522 HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY
west of Mentone, and has been hard at work at farming with scarcely
a break for more than forty years.
He was born near Laketon in Wabash Connty, September 30, 1857,
son of John and Sarah (Fogerty) Cox. H's mother was a native of
New Jersey. Both came in early days to Wabash County, were mar-
ried there, and from that connty John Cox enlisted and served all
through the Civil war in Companj^ I of the Forty-Seventh Indiana
Infantry. He was present in many battles, saw much hardship, but
was never woimded. After the war he returned to Wabash County,
also lived for a time in Marshall County, for some years was a resi-
dent of Franklin Township of this county, and finally moved to a
place east of Warsaw, where he died at the age of fifty-seven. He and
his wife were good, honest. Christian people and had a host of friends.
He was affiliated as a charter member with the Odd Fellows Lodge at
Sevastopol, serving as Noble Grand, and was also a member of the
Grand Army of the Republic, and a republican voter. Of the ten
children, seven are still living: James; Jennie, wife of Charles Bash,
of Mishawaka ; Lucinda, widow of Melvin Summe; John, of Warsaw:
Robert, of South Dakota; Dell, of Goshen, Indiana; and Elza of
Warsaw.
Mr. James Cox has spent most of his life in Kosciusko County.
After getting his education in the district schools he lived at home
until he was twentv-one, and then for several vears worked out as a
farm hand. In 1879 he married Miss Eva Hall. They began house-
keeping on a farm in Franklin Township, and gradually progressed
toward independence and prosperity. Mrs. Cox died in Anril. 1910,
the mother of two children, one of whom died in infanev. The other.
Delta M., was born October 6, 1881, is a graduate of the common
schools, and is now the widow of Dr. S. J. Snodgrass. Doctor Snod-
grass practiced medicine at Burkett, Indiana, for twentv-nine years.
Mrs. Snodgrass has two children. David J., born in April. 1909. and
Esther K.. born in October. 1913. In 1912 Mr. Cox marrie'^l for his
present wife Lauro E. Rockhill Br'nslev, widow of Arthur Brinsley.
]\trs. Cox is a member of the Jlethodist Episcopal Church a+ Mentone.
Mr. Cox has always manifested a commendable intere';t 'n the welfare
of his community and has been quite active in the republican party.
, John W. Anglin. The fruits and experiences of the life of John
W. Anglin have been gathered in Kosciusko County, where since early
manhood he has been an active farmer, and has made his eiforts count
in the direction of a steadily increasing prosperity, liberally dispensed
in the rearing and training of his family and in effective all around
good citizenship.
Mr. Anglin, whose farm is in Prairie Township, ten miles north-
west of Warsaw, was born in Scott Township of this county, August
12, 1857, a son of Adrian and Rachel (Biggs) Anglin, the former a
native of Virginia and the latter of Indiana. The Anglins were among
the pioneers of Kosciusko County and have lived here seventy-five or
eighty years. His parents were married in Kosciusko Connty and
spent the rest of their days on a farm in Scott Township. They were
HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY 523
members of the Methodist Episcopal Church and Adrian Anglin was
an independent republican in politics. Of their children six are still
living: Adeline, wife of John McCann ; John W. ; William and Grant,
both residents of Nappanee, Indiana ; Mary, wife of William Smith,
of Nappanee; and Abbie, wife of Ed Martin.
John W. Anglin grew up on his father's farm and was educated
in the district schools. At the age of twenty he started out to make
his own way in the world, and not long afterward he married Miss
Elva Cleveland. To this marriage were born four children : Emil, a
painter living at South Bend ; Nellie, wife of Wake Wilt ; Clara, wife
of Charles Lynch; and Milo, who is now in war service. These chil-
dren were all small when their mother died, and Mr. Anglin was left
with the responsibilities of the farm and their care. He later married
Mary Light, and they have five children : Ethel, of Leesburg ; Fred,
who married Nellie Roberts; Edith, Wilber, and Ida, born June 15,
1907. The children were all given good educational advantages and
have been well prepared for their respective duties in life. Mr. Anglin
is an active member of the Church of God in Scott Township. He is
a republican in politics, and is the only member of the Anglin family
in the county to vote that ticket. The farm which he diligently super-
vises and manages has 100 acres, and makes a splendid home for him-
self and family.
Jefferson Garber, the present postmaster of North Webster, has
long been identified with commercial affairs here and in other parts
of the state, and is that type of man whose energy means something
in the constructive administration of the community's affairs.
Mr. Garber represents one of the old and well known families of
Kosciusko County. He was born in Tippecanoe Township, December
22, 1863, son of "Samuel and Polly (White) Garber. His father was
born in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, in 1830 and died in Kosciusko
County on his farm in 1888. The parents were married in Kosciusko
County and were industrious and worthy farming people of that com-
munity the rest of their lives. They were members of the Christian
Church at North Webster and Mrs. Samuel Garber was very active
in its membership. They had eleven children.
The life of Jefferson Garber to the age of twenty-one was spent
on the old farm near North Webster, and his education was supplied
by the district schools. After reaching manhood he went out to
Missouri and was a farmer in Jasper Count.v of that state for a couple
of years. Returning to Kosciusko County, he laid the foundation of
his mercantile career as clerk in a general store at Wilmot. A year
later he and his brother Albert bought a general store at Noblesville,
and for six years prosperously conducted it under the name of Garber
Brothers. Selling out, they came to North Webster and in this old
and substantial town of the county acquired the general store of John
A. Ketring. The brothers continued their active relations as merchants
eight years, when Albert Garber sold his interests to James Mock. For
the next three years the store was continued as Garber & Jlock, and
Mr. Garber then acquired his partner's interest and in ]\Iarch, 1917,
524 HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY
took in his son-in-law, Edward Phelps, as partner. The title is now
Garber & Phelps. They keep a large and well selected stock of general
merchandise and supply the demands of a territory some miles in
every direction around North Webster. %
Mr. Garber married Ella J. Weade, daughter of John Weade.
Mrs. Garber was born in Noble County and was educated in the com-
mon schools. They have two daughters. Zelma, a graduate of the
North Webster High School, is the wife of Edward Phelps, business
partner of her father. Bessie, also a graduate of the North Webster
High School, is married to Forest Croop, of Warsaw. Mr. Garber has
three grandchildren, Devon and Donald Phelps, and Forest Croop, Jr.
Mr. Garber has carefully administered the office of postmaster at
North Webster for eight years. He owns his own store building and
has two of the best dwelling houses in the town. Politically he is a
republican and is past chancellor of North Webster Lodge No. 367,
Knights of Pythias, and a member of the Grand Lodge.
William S. Stocker is an honored veteran of the Civil war, in
which he sustained a wound that sent him home when the struggle
was still at its height. He has been a resident of Kosciusko County
for more than half a centurj^ and the productive labors of the earlier
years have enabled him to enjoy a comfortable retirement for some
time, though he still lives on his farm in the northeast corner of Tip-
pecanoe Township.
He was born in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, May 1, 1842, son of
Andrew and Margaret (Strieby) Stocker. His parents were both
born in Stark County, Ohio. In the spring of 1863 the parents and
eight children came to Indiana and settled .iust over the line in Noble
County, opposite the farm of William S. Stocker. Andrew Stocker
died near Webster, December 13, 1882, at the age of sixty-five.
William S. Stocker was reared in Ohio and in that state on August
17, 1862, enlisted in Company K of the Ninety-Eighth Ohio Infantry.
He was sent into General Buell's army in the Kentucky campaign
and only a few weeks after his enlistment took part in the Battle of
Perryville, where he was wounded in the left side. He was sent to
a field hospital at Perryville, was later removed to Lebanon and from
there to Louisville, and after partial recovery was given an honorable
discharge, December 28, 1862, and sent home. He accompanied his
parents to Indiana.
On November 19, 1868, Mr. Stocker married Sarah C. Knepper,
who was born in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, January 29, 1847,
and was brought to Indiana when a year and a half old, her parents
settling in Noble County, where she grew to womanhood and where
she lived until her marriage. Her father was a native of Cumberland
County, Pennsylvania, and her mother of Franklin County.
After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Stocker settled on a farm in
Noble County and a few years later moved to section 1 in Tippecanoe
Township, where they have had their home nearly half a century.
Mr. Stocker has prospered in his general farm work and has given
attention to some specialties, especially bee keeping. He has always
HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY 525
been a prominent man in his township aflfairs, is a republican voter
and is a member of the United Brethren Church at Oak Grove.
He and his wife had eight children, five of whom are still living:
George E., of Spokane, Washington ; Edward H., of Noble County,
Indiana : Rosa B., wife of Elmore Kohen, of Kosciusko County ; Sam-
uel, of Turkey Creek Township ; and Myrtle, wife of Bert Earl, of
Noble County.
William Shroyer is one of the men who are properly accounted
successful and are numbered among the enterprising citizens and
farmers of Plain Township. Mr. Shroyer has lived in this county all
his life and for the past quarter of a century has directed his ener-
gies to farming and stock raising on his place consisting of 120 acres,
one of the well arranged and productive homesteads of his locality.
Mr. Shroyer was born in Plain Township June 11, 1865, son of
Daniel and Matilda (Huffman') Shroyer, the former a native of Stark
County, Ohio, and the latter of Kosciusko County. Daniel Shroyer
came to Indiana with his parents, George and Sarah (Wolf) Shroyer.
George Shroyer was born in Virginia, June 5, 1808, and married in
Ohio. He and Sarah Shroyer had seven children. His first wife died
August 28, 1861, and he was a second time married. George Shroyer
on coming to Indiana settled in Elkhart County, but finally moved
to Kosciusko County, and died here June 11, 1880. He was a member
of the Lutheran Church and in politics a democrat. Daniel Shroyer
after his marriage settled in Plain Township, and his wife died there,
while he passed away in Elkhart County. He was an active member
of the Methodist Episcopal church and served as a trustee. In the
family were nine children, four of whom are still living. William ;
Lewis E., of Plain Township ; Luela, wife of Frank Wilcox, their
home being the old home fai-m in Plain Township ; and Charles A.,
who graduated from the pharmacy department of Purdue University
and is now a druggist at Warsaw.
William Shroyer grew up on the old farm and had a common school
education. He lived at home until his marriage, December 25, 1893,
when Miss Catherine Brumbaugh became his wife. Mrs. Shroyer was
born in Kosciusko County, a daughter of John and Elizabeth Brum-
baugh. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Shroyer settled on the farm
where they now live and where they have been prospered and have
become objects of special esteem in that community. They are mem-
bers of the Church of the Brethren, and ilr. Shoyer is aftiliated with
Warsaw Lodge of the Masons. In polities he is a republican. He
and his wife have one daughter, Grace, who finished her education
with two years in the Warsaw High School. She is now the wife of
Ralph McDaniel, of Plain Township, and her three children, grand-
children of Mr. and Mrs. Shroyer, are named Charles, Lenore and
Catherine.
Howard L. Mauzy is a farmer located a mile east of Dutchtown
in Tippecanoe Township, and is one of the young and enterprising
men from whom a great deal can be expected in solid and substantial
526 HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY
achievements, as already demonstrated by the work he has done in
improving and carrying on his present place.
Jlr. Mauzy was born on the farm where he now lives October 23,
1885, son of X. W. and Harriet A. (Clark) Mauzy. His father was
born in Pennsylvania in 1850. His mother died October 23. 1917.
They were members of the Dunkard Church. Of their six children
five are still living : John "W. ; Edward, who lives in Tippecanoe Town-
ship and married Alta Heron ; Cardie, a traveling salesman living at
Auburn, married Nellie Thorn : Ida is the wife of Harry Weaver,
living in Whitley County, Indiana ; and Howard L.
Howard L. ]Mauzy grew up on the old farm and had a district
school education. He lived with his parents to the age of twenty-one
and on December 22, 1907. married Hiss Rilla May Crist. Jlrs. Mauzy
was born in Plain Township April 26, 1890, daughter of William and
Marv J. (Ritter) Crist.
After their marriage ilr. and Mrs. Mauzy began farming, and
have been making much headway during the past ten years. In 1917
they moved to their present place, which comprises forty acres, and
which is managed with good equipment and with plenty of livestock.
^Mr. and Mrs. ^Mauzy have one son, Leonard L., born September 24,
1909. ilr. Mauzy and family are very active members of the Pro-
gressive Brethren Church. He is secretary of his local church and
superintendent of its Sunday School. In politics he votes as a re-
publican.
Joseph P. Weimer. One of the men whose name is spoken with
special mark of respect in the North Webster community is Joseph P.
Weimer, long identified with the agricultural affairs of that region
and also a banker of North Webster. His country home is a mile
north of the town.
Mr. Weimer was Iwrn in Stark County, Ohio, June 5, 1860, son
of Joseph D. and Hanna (Hurraw) Weimer. The parents were both
natives of Pennsylvania but were married in Ohio and from there
came to Kosciusko County in 1865. From that time until their death
they lived on a farm east of Webster Lake. Jo.seph D. Weimer was
very active in the United Brethren Church and served as an exhorter.
In the family were nine children, five of whom are still living: Cyrus,
a retired farmer of North Webster, fought as a Union soldier in the
Civil war all the w:^y from 1861 to the close of hostilities ; Savilla. wife
of Levi Fiddler, of Syracuse, Indiana ; Mary, wife of Frank Kuhn,
of Wisconsin ; Joseph P. ; and Dessie, wife of Elias Fiddler, of North
Webster.
Joseph P. Weimer was five years old when his parents came to
Kosciusko County, and here he grew to manhood and has found oppor-
tunities for a busy and useful career. He was in school until about
eighteen, and at the age of twenty-one began working his father's farm
and after his father's death Iwught part of the old homestead.
November 25, 1888, 'Sir. Weimer married Lillie Singer, of Oswego,
Tjidiana. She was born at Wolf Lake in Kosciusko County. After
their marriage ^Ir. and ^Irs. Weimer sold the farm and bought a
HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY 527
place a mile and a half north of North Webster in Happy Corner
eommunit.y. This was their home and there they prospered for
eighteen years. Moving from there, they bought their present place
a mile north of North Webster, where Mr. Weimer has a highly cul-
tivated farm of a hundred and forty acres. It is devoted to general
farming and stock raising. Mr. Weimer was one of the organizers of
the Farmers State Bank at North Webster and is a member of its
board of directors.
He is a member of the official board of the Methodist Episcopal
Church at North Webster and has served as superintendent of the
Sunday School. Politicall.y he votes as a republican. He and his
wife have two children : Zermah and Dale R. Zermah is the wife
of Robert Phelps, and they have one child, Charlon H. Phelps.
MiLO H. Harmon. The most enviable class of people in the world
today are the farmers, and those who have learned by experience to
handle their affairs with more than ordinary capability and judgment
are winning not onl.y material prosperity, but are performing a
service reckoned in value as hardly less than bearing arms in the
great conflict of civilization.
Milo H. Harmon is proprietor of Maple View 'Farm, 4% miles
north of Etna Green in Scott Township. Mr. Harmon has been a
farmer most of his life, is a native of Kosciusko County, and his
place has a more than local reputation as the home of some of the
finest stock of Duroc strain of hogs in Northeastern Illinois. His hog
herd is headed by French Royal No. 192015, and this high grade
stock ilr. Hannon has found satisfactory from every point of view.
He also handles much other livestock, and devotes practically all the
resources of his farm to meat production.
He was born January 13, 1866, a son of David S. and Susan
(Bordner) Harmon. His father was bom near Harri.sburg, Pennsyl-
vania, and in youth moved to Henry County, Ohio. He married Miss
Bordner, a native of Wood County, Ohio, and five years later they
moved to the Stoney Point community in Prairie Township of Kos-
ciusko County. David S. Harmon was one of the popular men of that
community until his death in 1906. His widow is still living on the
old farm. Both were members of the Dnnkard Church and he was
a republican. Of their nine children, five are still living. John H.,
Albert, Milo H., Sarah, wife of John Q. McFarren, and Emma, wife
of Peter Bowen.
Milo H. Harmon grew up on the farm near Stoney Point, and
besides the advantaares derived from the district schools took a course
in the Valparaiso University in 1886. At the end of twent.y-eight
weeks he was graduated in the commercial course and then returned
home and went to farming.
Mr. Harmon married Cora J. Bowman. After their marriage they
farmed one summer on his father's farm, another year on the farm
of his wife's father, and then bought eighty acres of land in Marshall
County. That county was their home for five years, at the end of
which time they returned to Kosciusko County and bought the Maple
528 HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY
View Farm, regarded as one of the best in improvement and general
production in the county, and comprising 120 acres.
Mr. and Mi"s. Harmon have one son, Loyal V., bom January 21,
1894, and a graduate of the common schools and the Etna Green High
School. He married Goldie Johnson, and they are farmers living in
Etna Green. Mr. Harmon is affiliated with Leesburg Lodge of Masons
and is a very active republican. He is also a stockholder in the Mutual
Telephone Company.
Argfs B. "Whitehead. One of the names that is well known to
the people of Kosciusko County as standing for expert agi'icultural
ability and sound citizenship is that of Whitehead, represented by
]Mr. Argus B. Whitehead, who is known among his neighbors of Tippe-
canoe Township as a very practical and at the same time progressive
farmer. Mr. Whitehead's home is Si^ miles northeast of Warsaw.
He has spent most of his life in this county, but was born in Elk-
hart County, ilarch 22, 1875. son of Emanuel and Elizabeth (Ulery)
Whitehead. His father and mother were born and grew up and
married in Elkhart County. They were fanners there, and about 1888
moved to Kosciusko coimty and located where their son Argus now
lives, acquiring a hundred aci'es. At that time land in Indiana was
comparatively cheap, and they paid only forty dollars an acre for this
homestead. Emanuel Whitehead made his home on the farm until
after the death of his wife and has since lived in Warsaw. There
were six children, four of whom are still living : Argus B. : Jesse,
assistant postmaster of Warsaw : Dr. C. S. Whitehead, of Naperville,
Illinois ; and Calvin, a railwav mail clerk with a run on the Pennsyl-
vania between Chicago and Pittsburg.
Argus B. Whitehead spent most of his life on the farm and has
lived on his present place since he was thirteen years old. He had
a district school education and on November 22, 1896. married IMiss
]\Iyrtle Sparklin. ^Irs. Whitehead was bom in Kosciusko County July
1, 1876, and was edxicated in the common schools. After their mar-
riage Mr. and Mrs. Whitehead located on a farm in the northeast
corner of Wayne Township, but a year later returned to the old Wliite-
head farm, which they rented until ^larch 10, 1912. They now own
200 acres, and it furnishes constant demands upon their united ener-
gies. 'Mr. and !Mrs. Whitehead have four children : C. G. Whitehead,
a graduate of the North Webster High School and now a student in
North Manchester College; Laurie, who has had three years in the
North Webster High School ; Earl, a graduate of the common schools ;
and Dale, still in the district school.
This is one of the prominent families of the Church of the Breth-
ren in their part of the county. Mr. Whitehead is a deacon in the
church, has always been one of its active workers, and has served as
church clerk and is present church treasurer. For the past seven
years he has been superintendent of the Sunday School. In matters
of politics he supports the republican party.
HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY 529
James A. Stoneburner. One of the valuable men of Kosciusko
County from the point of view of service rendered the public is James
A. Stoneburner, fish and game warden, who for thirteen j'ears has
occupied this office under the state government, and has used his
influence and his official capacity to protect and conserve the game
resources of the country and enforce the laws and regulations pertain-
ing thereto. Mr. Stoneburner is also a farmer, aiKi has lived at his
present place in Plain Township since 1911. One of the features of
his farm is Stoneburner Beach, a very popular resort in the county.
Mr. Stoneburner was born in Warsaw, February 19, 1S83, son of
John and Angeline (Shaddow) Stoneburner, the former a native of
Ohio and the latter of Indiana. His pai-ents married in Kosciusko
County and spent the rest of their days in "Warsaw. They were the
parents of five children : Samuel, Mary, Rose, Ruth and James A.,
all now deceased except the last.
James A. Stoneburner grew to manhood in the city of Warsaw and
attended the public schools there. His first vocation was as a station-
ary engineer and for about eighteen months he was coimected with
the Warsaw waterworks. He was then appointed deputy commissioner
of fish and game for the state of Indiana, and has given his services
in that capacity since 1905.
March 31, 1905, Mr. Stoneburner mai-ried Bertha E. Wirieck, who
was born in Kosciusko County, daughter of Napoleon and Sadie
Wirieck. She is a graduate of the common schools. The.y have two
children, Paul and Cleta May, both in the public schools.
Mr, Sto)iehurner takes an active part in Masonry and other fra-
ternities, and is affiliated with Warsaw Lodge No. 73, Ancient Free
and Accepted JMasons, the Royal Arch Chapter, and is a thirty-second
degree Scottish Rite ^Mason at Fort Wayne. He is also affiliated
with Warsaw Lodge of the Knights of Pythia.s and is a charter mem-
ber of the Loyal Order of iloose at the county seat. In politics he
is a republican, but has held no office except as fish and game warden.
John W. Mauzy. A large part of the population of Plain Town-
.ship is familiar with and patronizes the store of John W. Mauzy of
Dutchtown, finding that a reliable place for their general supplies
and appreciating Mr. Mauzy 's enterprise and personal qualifications
as a merchant and good citizen.
Mr. Mauzy is a native of Kosciusko County, born in Tippecanoe
Township. April 2, 1879, son of N. W. and Harriet A. (Cunningham)
Mauzy. His father was a native of Virginia and his mother of Ohio,
and both came to Kosciusko County when young and after their mar-
riage here settled on a farm in Tippecanoe Township, where they spent
the rest of their days. The mother died October 25, 1917. They were
members of the Cjerman Baptist Church at Oak Grove and the
father was a republican in politics. Of the six children five are still
living, John W. ; Edward, a farmer in Tippecanoe Township ; Cirdie,
a salesman at Auburn, Indiana ; Howard, a Tippecanoe Township
farmer ; and Ida, wife of Harry Weaver, of Richland Township, Whit-
ley County, Indiana,
530 HISTORY OP KOSCIUSKO COUNTY
John W. Mauzy grew up on the farm in Tippecanoe Township and
had a common school education. He lived at home until September
29, 1907, when he married Miss Nellie Van Curen, daugrhter of B. F.
and Cora (Howard) Van Curen. Her people are well known and
substantial farmers of Wayne Township of this county. Her father
was born in Washington Township, this county, February 14, 1857,
and her mother was born in Noble County, May 12, 1866. Mr. and
Mrs. Van Curen have six children : Nellie, a graduate of the common
schools; Bessie, a graduate of the common schools and wife of E. 6.
Fletcher ; Forest, who married Elizabeth Shoda ; Wayne, Irene and
Ruth.
After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Mauzy lived for a time in
Warsaw, then on a farm in Plain Township, spent a year in Tippe-
canoe Township, and for three years Mr. Mauzy had his home in
Goshen, Indiana, where he was connected with the Curtis and Carmine
Hardware Companv. This was followed by six months with a hard-
ware store at Syracuse, Indiana, after which he utilized his experience
and training by opening a stock of general merchandise at Dutchtowni.
j\Ir. Mauzy is a member of Warsaw Lodge No. 73 Ancient Free and
Accepted Masons and in polities is a republican.
John E. Hall. One of the families longest represented in Kos-
ciusko County's citizenship is that of John E. Hall. The Halls have
been here over fourscore yeai-s, and the name through all these decades
has been synom-mous with good citizenship, industry and business
success.
The family was established here by his grandparents, Samuel and
Catherine (Anglin) Hall, both of whom were born in Virginia of
English and Irish ancestry. They married in 1822. Catherine Ang-
lin was a daughter of Adrian and Mary f^IcClung) Anglin. In the
fall of 1834 Samuel Hall left Virginia and came west and penetrated
the wilderness of Eastern Indiana to a tract of Government land in
Plain Township of Kosciusko County. He acquired 320 acres of land
from the Government in 1835, not being permitted to register for
land until that date. So he experienced many of the trials and hard-
ships of the pioneer, lived for several years with as many Indians as
white neighbors, but finally brought his land imder cultivation and
was not only a successful farmer but conspicuous as a man of affairs.
He held the office of justice of the peace, was also associate iudge for
a number of years, and for one term, was state senator. He died in
1857, at the age of fifty-five, and at the time was candidate for state
representative. In politics he was a democrat. His widow survived
him until 1882 and passed away at the age of eightv-three. They
were parents of eight children : Melinda, lx)rn April 26, 1823 ; Elam,
born Januarv 10. 1825: Hiram: Lucinda. born March 1, 1829; David,
born January 18, 1832: Elizabeth, born ]»larch 5. 1837; Joel, born
October 18. 1839.; Matilda, born February 22, 1846.
Hiram Hall, father of John E. Hall, was born in Harrison Countv,
Virginia. October 26, 1826, and was eight years old when the familv
came west to Indiana. Most of his education therefore was acquired
HISTOKY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY 531
in subscription schools. For four months he attended Franklin Col-
lege, and after that did some teaching. In 1850 he bought 166 acres
of sparsely improved land in Prairie Township, and with the industry
that characterized him as a farmer and by his commendable business
enterprise he added to his possessions iintil he had over 660 acres,
practicall}' all highly improved. He was also active in local affairs, a
loyal democrat, and in 1851, when only twent.y-tive years old, was
elected township trustee. He was also one of the first directors of the
Lake City Bank at Warsaw. December 21, 1851, Hiram Hall married
Carrie A. Powell, a daughter of John and Dorothy (Morris) Powell,
natives of Ohio. Eight children were born to their marriage : Lemon,
born October 2, 1853 ; Electa, born December 18, 1854, and died March
7, 1881 ; Olive, born March 3, 1856, died January 10, 1872 ; Albert,
born October 17, 1858. a resident of Leesburg; Nettie, born November
30, 1861, a resident of Leesburg; Ella, born September 18, 1868, now
deceased ; John E. ; and Rose, born September 1, 1875.
Mr. John E. Hall was born at the old homestead in Prairie Town-
ship, a mile and three quarters west of Leesburg, May 3, 1871. He
grew up on the home farm and was educated in the common schools.
On January 1, 1892, at the age of twenty-one, he married Miss Phoebe
]M. Cormaney. She was born in Marshall County, Indiana, February
5, 1870, daughter of S. T. and Eliza (Hite) Cormaney, the former
a native of Elkhart County and the latter of Ohio. Her parents now
live near Kosciusko Station in Washington Township. Mr. and Mrs.
Hall have two children : George L., born March 29, 1896, a graduate
of the Warsaw High School, now a farmer in South Dakota ; and Iva
M., born May 3, 1900, a graduate of the Warsaw High School with
the class of 1918. The family are members of the Methodist Episcopal
Church at Warsaw and Mr. Hall is a Past Noble Grand of Leesburg
Lodge, No. 432, Independent Order of Odd Fellows. In politics he
votes for the man regardless of his political views.
Mr. Hall is proprietor of the Oak Grove Farm, a splendid place
comprising 152 acres located three miles north of Warsaw on rural
route No. 5 and eligibly situated on the Hoosier Dixie Highway. Mr.
Hall is especially prominent as a breeder of Holstein cattle. He has
at the head of his herd a fine bull called Jess, which is eligible to reg-
ister among the thoroughbreds of that strain in America.
William H. Bixler has been successfully identified with the farm-
ing enterprise of Kosciusko County for a number of years. His home
is in Tippecanoe Township, nine miles northeast of Warsaw, on rural
route No. 1 out of Leesburg. Mr. Bixler 's present prosperity is the
result of long years of honest toil and good management. He began
life with small capital, having been left an orphan when a small boy,
and the prosperity he now enjoys is to be credited to the earnest and
faithful work and cooperation on the part of himself and his good
wife.
Mr. Bixler was born in LaGi'ange County, Indiana, October 14,
1868, son of Henry and Hattie (Hair) Bixler, both of whom were
natives of Ohio. They were married in Ohio, and soon afterwards
532. HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY
came to Indiana and settled on a farm near Howe in LaGrange
County. Tlie mother died there and the father afterwards came to
Kosciusko County and spent the last three years of his life in Tippe-
canoe Township. They were active members of the ]\Iethodist Episco-
pal Church and in politics the father was a republican. Of the seven
children, only two are now living. William H. and Emma, the latter
the wife of Charles Sidner of Covington, Kentucky
"William H. Bixler was six years old when he was left an orphan,
and he grew up in the home of a cousin in LaGrange. He had the
advantages of the district schools there, and lived in his adopted home
to the age of twenty-one. He then came to Kosciusko County and
on October 4, 1892, married iliss May Tenney. Mrs. Bixler was born
in Tennessee and was a girl when brought to Kosciusko County by her
parents. Mr. and Mrs. Bixler have two children, Fred and Mildred.
Fred, who completed his education in the high schools at North Web-
ster and Oswego, is a farmer in Tippecanoe Township, and by his
marriage to ]Miss Biltz has two children, named Delight and Winton.
The daughter, Mildred, is a graduate of the North Webster High
School and is the wife of Isaac Kline. Isaac Kline is now serving
in the United States Army. He and his wife have one daughter, June.
Mr. and ]Mrs. Bixler are active members of the Brethren church.
He is affiliated with Lodge No. 192 of the Knights of Pythias at Lees-
burg and in politics is a republican. The good farm and home which
represents the best eiiforts of himself and wife thrpugh many months
contains 100 acres and is situated in section 19 of Tippecanoe Town-
ship.
Frank 0. Eichcreek. A successful agriculturist, like the man
who makes a success in any other line of endeavor, must not only
possess the knowledge to keep abreast of the advancement of the times
but also the ability to apply this knowledge so that it will be produc-
tive of satisfying results. In Kosciusko County, where the average of
intelligence and ability in farming and stock raising is more than
ordinarily high, one who is contributing to this prestige is 1^'rank O.
Eichcreek, proprietor of the Eden Stock Farm of 100 aci-es, situated
in Tippecanoe Township, a mile west of North Webster. This is a
property- that is paying valuable returns for the labor bestowed upon
it. Mr. Eichcreek has a more than local reputation as a breeder of
Norman horses, imported Jerse}^ cattle and Duroc hogs. His hog sales
annuallj' attract a large number of buyers from this and other
counties.
Though Mr. Eichcreek has spent most of his life in Kosciusko Coun-
ty, he was born in Barton County, ^Missouri, February 8, 1872, a son
of Thomas and Eebecca (Hart) Eichcreek. Both parents were natives
of Ohio but were married in Kosciusko County. They went out to
Missouri and lived on a farm in Barton County for eleven years, re-
turning to Kosciusko County Januarj' 13, 1879. The father, a sub-
stantial farmer, died in 1891 and his widow in 1901. He was affili-
ated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and a republican
voter without office holding aspirations. In the family were twelve
HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY 533
children, nine of whom are still living, three of them in Indiana : James
E., a farmer at Pierceton, Indiana; Anna I., wife of Albert Menzel;
Josie, wife of Thomas R. Boydston, of Chicago; Effie, wife of Michael
DonaVan, of Chicago; Lulii, wife of Emanuel Manier, of Detroit,
Michigan; Joseph, of Argo, Illinois; Charles, of New Orleans; and
Harry, of Hudson, New Jersey.
Frank 0. Richcreek was seven .years old when his parents returned
to Kosciusko County, and here he grew up in rural environment and
acouired his education in the common schools. He was also a student
at North Manchester and at Winona College, and for seventeen years
was one of the successful educators, having charge of several schools in
Tippecanoe Township.
In 1896 he married Miss Julia A. IMiller, a native of Kosciusko
County and daughter of Emanuel and Nancy Jliller. They are the
parents of three children: Florence, born March 12, 1898, is a grad-
uate of the North Webster High School and is now a teacher ; Ruby
R., born February 20, 1902, is a graduate of the common schools and
of the North Webster High School with the class of 1918 ; and Dale 0.,
a student in the common schools.
Mr. Richcreek is widely known as Elder Richcreek, being an elder
in the Syracuse and Tippecanoe Congregation of the Church of the
Brethren. He was ordained an elder in that church at the age of
thirty years, and has carried many of the responsibilities of church
leadership and maintenance. In politics he is a republican. Mr.
Richcreek is one of the stockholders in the Farmers Bank at North
Webster and for one year was vice president of the institution.
Andrew J. Smcth has spent his days almost entirely in Franklin
Township, and from early manhood has borne the reputation of being
a successful farmer, an industrious and capable business man, and as
a citizen whose loyalty and public spirit could always be relied upon.
Mr. Smith is proprietor of the Burdock farm, comprising 340 acres,
located 21/0 miles southwest of Mentone in Franklin Township.
Mr. Smith was born in that township April 4, 1850, a son of Leon-
ard and Mary (Heise) Smith. The parents were both born in Penn-
s.vlvania, were married there, and in 1849 located in Kosciusko County,
where they spent the rest of their days. The mother was a member of
the Lutheran Church. Of the family of eleven children those still
living are Andrew J., George, Daniel, and Albert, the last named a
resident of Michigan.
Andrew J. Smith grew up on the home farm and his early priv-
ileges in the educational line were those of the common schools. The
school he attended was known as the Jaybird School. He was eleven
years of age when his father died and from that time forward bore
an increasing share of the responsibilities of work and management
on the home farm. He lived at home until twenty-one and on October
1, 1871, married Miss Melinda C. Hipshen. Mrs. Smith was born near
Palestine in this county February 25. 1851.
They are the parents of three children : Marj^ A., wife of David
Engle ; ' Laverne, who married Delia Jeffries; and Clement, who is
534 HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY
married and lives in Clayton, New Mexico. Mr. Smith and family
are members of the Baptist Church and keep up their interest in all
current and local affairs. He is a republican voter.
Allen Ruple. An honored veteran of the Civil war and a lifelong
resident of Kosciusko County, Allen Ruple has made his influence and
actions count for benefit to himself and his community. He repre-
sents one of the older names of Turkey Creek Township, and is owner
of one of the good farms in that locality, located five miles south of
Syracuse.
He was born in the township of his present residence September
16, 1844, a son of Jacob and Catherine (Punk) Ruple, the former a
native of Pennsylvania and the latter of Ohio. They came to Kosci-
usko County in pioneer days, were married here, and spent the rest
of their days as farmers. Both died on the farm now owned and
occupied by their son Allen. They were very active members of the
United Brethren Church, which was one of the oldest church organi-
zations in the township, and the father followed the democratic party
in his political allegiance. Of their five children only two are now
living. Allen and Fred, the latter a resident of Van Buren County,
Michigan,
Allen Ruple grew up on the home farm and attended some of
the early district schools here. About the time he reached his majority
he enlisted, in 1865, in Company B of the One Hundred and Fifty-
Second Indiana Infantry and saw some active service during the clas-
ing campaigns of the war. When the war was over he returned home
and for half a century has been assiduously identified with the work
of agriculture in this county.
In 1870 he married Orline Starner, who was born in Ohio but lived
in Kosciusko County from early girlhood. Mrs. Ruple died Novem-
ber 23, 1916. All their married lives they spent on the farm where
Mr. Ruple owns 110 acres, all in one body and devoted it to general
farming and stock raising.
He and his wife had three children : Laura, deceased ; Alice, wife
of Jessie Shock, of Syracuse ; and Ada, who married William Mallon,
and the}' live with Mr. Ruple. Mr. Ruple is affiliated with the Grand
Army Post at Sj-racuse and in politics is a republican.
Thom.vs Jensen. There is no sturdier and better citizen of Kosci-
usko County than this native of Denmark, who came to America when
a young man and by sheer force of will and industry has created
for himself and family an enviable prosperity, and lives on one of the
best farm homes in Turkey Creek Township, in section 34, six miles
southeast of Syracuse.
Mr. Jensen was born in Denmark October 26, 1854, son of Jens
Arickson and Cecil Larsen. His parents spent all their lives in Den-
mark. The father was a blacksmith, and later followed the business
of farming. Of their nine children seven are still living. Two broth-
ers of Mr. Jensen came to the United States, Lars, who developed a
HISTORY OP KOSCIUSKO COUNTY 535
farm near Ozark, Arkansas, and reared his family there, Andrew of
Spokane, "Washington.
Thomas Jensen lived in Denmark until he was nineteen years of
age. He acquired a common school education and at the age of four-
teen was apprenticed to learn the blacksmith's trade. When he put
into practice his resolution to come to America he had to borrow money
to pay his passage. His first employment here during one summer
was as a workman on the Baltimore & Ohio Railway, and from his
savmgs he sent back home the money to repay what he had borrowed.
In the fall of the same year he went to work on a farm near Milford,
Indiana, was there nineteen months, and then learned the miller's
trade m a flour mill at Syracuse. He worked there eight years and
was promoted to foreman and manager and continued the milling
business altogether for twenty years.
In March, 1880, Mr. Jensen married Miss Perrilla Hendrickson.
She was born and reared near Syracuse. After his marriage Mr
Jensen rented a farm on Elkhart Prairie four years, and for five years
farmed along Solomon's Creek. In 1908 he acquired his present place
ot lOo acres, known as the Jensen Stock Farm. His chief business is
raising cattle, and the quiet and efficient way in which he handles
his affairs is a satisfactory- explanation of his success.
Mr. Jensen is a thorough American, is a naturalized citizen and
IS thoroughlv in harmony with American ideals of democracy. He was
tormerly affiliated with and passed the chairs in the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows and the Knights of Pythias. In polities he
voters as a republican. His wife is a member of the Church of God
Six ciiildren were born to their marriage: Latone, a farmer in
i^lkhart County ; Ladene, clerk in a general store at Svracuse ; Lafern
now in the United States Army; Lamerle. who is emploved by the
Lightning Rod firm at Goshen; Lela M., deceased; and Marie M. at
home. The son Lafeni Jensen lived at home until he was nineteen
years ot age, acquiring a common school education, and was then
employed by Sol Myers & Company at Ligonier. He went south for
a time, following which he entered the service of H. L. Solomon & Com-
pany of Lima, Ohio, and left a salary of $2,500 a vear with that real
estate firm to enlist as a mechanic in the aviation corps of the United
States Army. He is now in training at Fort Worth, Texas.
George Cox. In the course of a Ion- and active career George
Cox has solved many of the problems of the agriculturist, has met
and discharged the responsibilities of ffood citizenship and has gained
an enviable prosperity and place in his eommunitv as a resident of
Tippecanoe Township.
His people were pioneers in Kosciusko Countv. Jlr. Cox was born
nnrTnfM •l^wV""'' ^'« birthplace farm three quarters of a mile
north of North Webster is now owned by him. It is not far from his
^iT f XT^'lf w u'f ''^ 'i ' ""''" ^''■™ ""^ t«" ^"•'^s IV" miles south-
Bante Webster and three quarters of a mile south of Yellow
His parents were Jacob and Mary A. (Mock) Cox. His father
536 HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY
was a native of Pennsylvania and his mother of Ohio. Jacob Cox
when four years old accompanied his parents from Pennsylvania
to Ohio, where he lived to the age of seventeen, and then came to
Kosciusko County. Kosciusko County was at that time almost a
wilderness. The family made the journey in a wagon and crossed
through the Black Swamp. After a year's stay stay near North Web-
ster Jlr. Cox returned to Ohio and on coming back to Kosciusko
County walked the entire distance. He was a poor man and made his
living by working at monthly wages until he was about twenty-eight
years old. He did much of the heavy pioneering work, such as split-
ting rails, grubbing stumps, as well as the usual routine of a farm. His
wife, yiary A. Mock, was the daughter of Michael and Catherine Mock.
She accompanied her parents to Kosciusko Countj' when seven years
old and there she grew to womanhood. After their marriage Jacob
Cos located on the homestead farm three-quarters of a mile north of
North Webster and cleared and improved that and made it his home
the rest of his life. They had four children, one of whom died in
infancy, the others being: George; Luciuda, wife of Sylvester ilid-
dleton ; and Franklin, who lives in Wisconsin and married Edith
Fiddler.
Mr. George Cox has spent all his life in Tippecanoe Township and
was educated partly in the North Webster schools and partly in the
Lindamood school. As a boy he also shared in some of the hard labor
of his time by splitting rails and clearing land. In September, 1876,
he shot and killed the last wild deer known to have been in Kosciusko
County. This occurred a quarter of a mile west of North Webster.
January 9, 1881, ilr. Cox married Miss Mary Jarrett, who was
born in Turkey Creek Township of this county. After their marriage
Mr. and Mrs. Cox lived at Boydston PostoflSee a year and a half, and
then moved to his present farm home. In 1905 he bought the old
homestead and occupied it as his residence seven years, when he
returned to his present place.
Mr. and ili-s. Cox have two children : Lizzie, born June 26, 1882,
spent two years in the high school at Warsaw and is now the wife
of John Garber. They live on the old Albert Garber farm and have
one son, Robert F., bom May 22, 1913. Clinton Cox, the second child,
was born February 3, 1889, and married Zeffa Baugher, daughter of
William Baugher. They have one child, Dallas E., born March 15,
1916. Mrs. Cox is a member of the Church of God at North Webster.
Politically Mr. Cox is a democrat.
Austin Blue. A brief inspection of the farm of Austin Blue, a
mile south and a half mile west of ]\Ientone in Franklin Township,
bespeaks the enterprise of its owner and is one of the many testi-
monials of his good citizenship and effective service in that community,
where he has spent most of his life.
Mr. Blue was trustee six years of Franklin Township. He was
born in that township December 3, 1863, son of Peter and Elizabeth
(Johnson) Blue. His father was born in Fayette County. Ohio, and
the mother was a native of the same state. Peter Blue came to Kos-
HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY 537
ciusko County when six years of age, grew up here, and had only a
common school education, but gained a thorough knowledge of busi-
ness and practical affairs after his marriage. He was a democrat in
politics and his wife was a Baptist. Of their six children Austin,
Alonzo, Benjamin, James and Etta, wife of Edward Henderson, are
still living. John died when about tliirty-four years old.
Austin Blue grew up on his fatlier's farm, attended the public
schools, and remained at home until the age of twenty-one. On March
5, 1887, he married Nettie Sarber, daughter of Christian Sarber. She
was bom in Harrison Township in this county and was educated in
the common schools and in the schools at Mentone. After their mar-
riage Mr. and Mrs. Blue located on the farm where they now live, and
for thirty years have given it the best of their energies and abilities.
For a time they lived in a log house, and later Mr. Blue constructed
the modern home where he now lives. They have two children : Estey
Em, a farmer at home, was educated in the common schools and
married Gerne Bettleman. Delta, a graduate of high school, is the
wife of A. 0. Miller, of Jlinneapolis. ^Minnesota. The family are mem-
bers of the Methodist Church at ileiitoiie, and Mr. Blue is one of the
church trustees. He is affiliated with the ilasonic Lodge at Mentone
and he and his wife are actively identitied with the Eastern Star
Chapter. Another fraternity with which he is affiliated is the Modern
"Woodmen of America. Mr. Blue is a democrat, and it was on that
ticket that he was elected trustee of his township., His farm comprises
120 acres, devoted to the staple crops and good live stock. He is a
breeder of Poland China hogs, pure-blooded Hereford cattle, and has a
fine flock of Orpington chickens.
John H. Miller is one of the well to do farming men of Kosciusko
County and has reached a position in life where he can be classified
as independent, though he is still doing a patriotic part as active
manager of his farm in Tippecanoe Township, adjoining Yellow Bank.
His farm there comprises ninety-eight acres of good land.
Mr. Miller represents one of several Miller families in Kosciusko
County and his own people have been identified with the best citizen-
ship here for more than half a century. He was born in Tippecanoe
Township July 2, 1867, a son of Emanuel and Nancy (Maurer) Miller.
His parents are still living. Emanuel Miller, whose home is three
miles southeast of North Webster, was born in Elkhart County, In-
diana, December 9, 1838, and is now in the shadow of his eightieth
year His parents were John J. and Elizabeth (Crow) Miller, both
natives of Ohio, where they grew up and raan-ied. John J. Miller
on moving to Indiana located in Kosciusko County, northwest of
Webster, but after a short time went to Elkhart County as a pioneer
and was a farmer in that locality during his active life. He finally
sold his farm and moved to the vicinity of New Paris, in the same
county, and died there. ' He was an active member of the German
Baptist Church. Of the twelve children of John J. Miller and wife
ten are still living: Emanuel C, Catherine, Nancy, Sarah, Enos,
Isaac, William, Lizzie, Louisa and Lewis.
538 HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY
Emanuel C. Miller grew to manhood in Elkhart County and owing
to the conditions of his youth had very little opportunity to attend
school. He lived at home until the age of twenty-five, when he went
to Darke County, Ohio, and married there in May. 1864, Nancy
Maurer. She was a native of Darke County. After their marriage
they lived in that county for a .year and then moved to Tippecanoe
Township of Kosciusko County, which has been their home for more
than half a century. Emanuel C. Miller still owns ninety-five acres,
but at one time his possessions included 2-50 acres. He is a democrat
in politics, and is a charter member of the Mock Christian Church.
He was one of the trustees, his associates being Joseph Mock and Silas
Huber, who erected the Christian Church where a flourishing congre-
gation still worships. Emanuel -\Iiller and wife have eight children :
Salome, wife of Eugene Shoemaker, of Wayne To\\niship; Levi, a
farmer in Tippecanoe Township ; John H. ; Sarah E.. wife of Charles
T. Mock, of Tippecanoe Township ; Samuel Miller, of North Webster,
vice president of the Fanners State Bank; Charles Miller, a real
estate man of Nappanee, Indiana ; Julia, wife of F. O. Richcreek ; and
Belle, wife of Daniel C. Mock, of Tippecanoe Township.
John H. Jliller giew up on his father's farm and had a common
school education. He lived at home to the age of twenty-five, and
after twenty-one worked out by the day and also rented land. On
November 12, 1892, he married ^liss Minnie Kleek. She was reared
in Tippecanoe Township, a daughter of Alfred and Mahala Kleek.
She attended public school at North Webster.
After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Miller lived on the old Dell
farm, four miles northwest of North Webster, one year, then for four
years occupied a place three miles south of that village, lived on the
old jMiller farm four years, and then bought a farm of their own, con-
sisting of eighty acres, between Milford and Leesburg. They finally
sold that place, and in 1893 came to their present home, which has
been the center of their associations and labors now for a quarter of
a century.
Mr. and Mrs. Miller have two children : Kenneth was born October
26, 1893, is a graduate of the common schools and spent one year in
high school, and is still at home. Sylvia, born September 16, 1900,
was educated for two years in the high school. The family are mem-
bers of the Christian Church. In politics Mr. Miller is a democrat.
He was one of the organizers of the Farmers State Bank at North
Webster.
James M. Murphy. One of the recent additions to the good citi-
zenship of Kosciusko County is James M. Murphy, who for many
years had his home in Wabash County, but has beeji known among
the people of Kosciusko County for a long time. Mr. Murphy owns
one of the good farms of Jefferson Township, his home being six and
a half miles southwest of ^lilford.
He was bom in Noble Township of Wabash County, May 5, 1867,
son of John and Anna (Judy) Murphy. His mother was a native of
Ohio and his father was reared in that state in Tuscarawas Countv
HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY 539
from the age of four years. After they married both families moved
to Wabash County, and John Murphy settled on a farm 2V2
miles north of the' City of "Wabash. He began life in limited cir-
cumstances, had only eighty acres of land at first, but as his prosper-
ity increased he accumulated 240 acres and had one of the finest farms
in the countv when he died. Hei was a member of the Lutheran
Church, but later affiliated with the Presbyterian Church at Wabash,
and in politics was a republican. In his family were twelve children,
nine of whom are still living: Joseph F. and John P., both of Wa-
bash; Mary, wife of Dayton 0. Macey, of Miami County, Indiana;
Sarah, widow of Douglas Kiser; Adaline, wife of W. A. Wildner, who
occupies the old Mun^hy farm in Wabash County; David G., of
Waba.sh; James M. ; Charles E., of Wabash; and Emanuel B., of
Wabash.
James M. Murphy grew up on the farm- where he was born and
attended the local schools there. For twenty-four years he combined
the business of threshing with practical farming. June 16. 1889, Mr.
Murphy married Miss Sarah A. Scott, daughter of Henry Scott. She
was bom and educated in Wab'>sh County. Mr. and Mrs. Murphy
have six children. William A., John F.. Claude F., Orville Hale. Mary
M. and Elizabeth 0. The son Claude is now the family's renresenta-
tiv in the TTnited States Army, being stationed at Camp Tavlor. "Mr.
and Mrs. Murphy are members of the Church of the Brethren and in
politics he is a republican. On March 9, 1916. he moved to Kosciusko
County and bought the old Cook farm in Jefferson Township. He
owns eighty-one acres of land there and is also cultivating 110 acres
more, so that he is doing his full share in the agricultural production
of the county.
Albert F. Krull. A Kosciusko County farm that represents
many of the ideals in the way of cultivation, productiveness, arrange-
ment and eauipment is that of Albert F. Krull in Jefferson Township,
41/) miles .southwest of Milford. Mr. Krull is a thorougrhgoino: farmer,
one of the older residents of the county, and has proved a resourceful
business man and public spirited citizen.
He was born in Union Township of Elkhart County, Indiana, Jan-
uary 14, 1867, and came with the family to Kosciusko County when
he was about thirteen years of age.
His father, Frederick A. Krull. who died March 31. 19'^2, was born
in the Netherlands, January 24. 1832. a son of Albert and Tena
(Swarts) Krull. also natives of the Netherlands. He attended com-
mon school in his native country until sixteen, after whieh he worked
on a farm as a day laborer. In July, 1854, he arrived in America
and for four years lived in Elkhart County. In 1858 he went out to
California and did farm work and also improved and cultivated 340
acres of his own. He was also a teamster and miner. After six or
seven years in California he returned to Elkhart County in 1865. On
March 15. 1866, he married Simkjen Rystra. daughter of B. Rystra
of Elkhart Countv. She was born in the Netherlands. Ausrnst 20,
1841. On April 30, 1880, Frederick A. Krull moved to Jefferson
540 HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY
Township of Kosciusko County and bought 160 acres, where he insti-
tuted that industry which eventuated in a fine farm, excellent build-
ings and all the comforts of a good rural home. In 1882 he was
elected township supervisor and served two years. He was a prohi-
bitionist in politics, and he and his wife were active members of the
Jlennonite Church. They had eight children: Albert, John, Harry,
Maggie, Ane, who died in infancy, and a second child also named
Ane, George and Isaac.
Albert F. Krull received his educatioii in the district schools of
Elkhart and Kosciusko counties, and after reaching manhood he
spent several years in the Southwest. In the territory of New ^Mexico
on December 25, 1897, he married Miss Mary DeArcy. She was born
at LaPorte, Indiana, December 18, 1867, a daughter of Daniel and
Adelia (Welch) DeArcy. When she was nine years of age her par-
ents moved to Kansas, and she grew to womanhood there and received
a district school education. When she was twenty years of age her
people moved to New Mexico, and she lived there until her marriage.
Daniel DeArcy was a native of Canada, while Adelia Welch was born
in Ireland and came to the United States at the age of five yeai-s. She
is still living. Daniel DeArcy and wife had the following children:
Patrick W., Anna Mary, John E., Daniel, Adelia, Emmett and
Marion.
After their marriage Mr. and ^Irs. Kndl remained four years
longer in New ^Mexico and then returned to Kosciusko County and
bought 233 acres in Van Buren and Jefferson townships. Besides
this extensive farm they also have 140 acres in Noble County, Indiana.
]\Ir. Ki-ull is a successful stock raiser, and is a practical and thorough
going citizen who can always be counted upon for cooperation and
assistance in any movement affecting the local welfare. He is a dem-
ocrat and he and his wife are members of the Hastings Grange. Mr.
and Mrs. Krull had eiglit children, but seven died in infancy. The
only surviving child is Tina, born October 10, 1905. Mr. Krull also
reared a boy, Ellis Brown, who is now in the service of his country
in France, with the One Hundred and Fifty-First Indiana Infantry,
Company G.
Cleanthus M. Borton is one of the most widely known farmers
in the southwest quarter of Kosciusko Count.y, being proprietor of the
Walnut Ridge Farm, a half mile east of Mentone in Franklin Town-
ship. He has a large acreage under his management, and has suc-
cessfully handled this place and all its related interests for forty
years or more.
Mr. Borton was born in Franklin Township, April 13, 1857, son of
Allen and Anna (Jeffries) Borton. Both parents were natives of
Stark County, Ohio, and were brought to Kosciusko County when chil-
dren. Allen Borton was a son of Ira Borton, who settled south of
Mentone, lived there many j^ears, and spent his last days at the Village
of Sevastopol. Allen Borton grew up in Franklin Township, and after
his marriage located on the farm a half mile east of Mentone. He
died there in 1864, when a young man. He built the first and onl.y
Jccc^ .Mi-f^
QMjc^
HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY 541
shingle factory here, located on the farm where Mr. C. M. Borton
now lives. His widow is still living, and is an active and attentive
member of the Baptist Chiirch. Of their fonr children, two sons are
living: "Wellington, of Franklin Towniship, and Cleanthns M.
Cleanthus M. Borton grew up on the home farm, was educated in
the district schools, and has always had a part in the management of
the old farm. In November, 1884, he married Miss Alice Garwood.
She was born and reared in Harrison Township. After his marriage
Mr. Borton bought the old farm, built a good house, and has lived
there in comfort and plenty for many years.
He and his wife have three children. Charles G. lives in Franklin
Township and married Daisy Black. Ethel, now deceased, was the
wife of Dennis Andrews, and her three children were Charles, Alta
and Wilma. Wilma, since her mother's death, has been reared by
her grandparents. Allen 0. is a graduate of the common schools and
is now attending the ilentone High School. The family are members
of the Methodist Church and Mr. Borton is on the official board. He
has served as a member of the Township Advisoiy Board, is a repub-
lican and is affiliated vdth the Modem Woodmen of America.
Jacob Slife. An honored citizen whose life has been identified
with Kosciusko County for many years, and always with usefulness
to the community as well as to himself, is Jacob Slife, now living
retired in a comfortable home at Burket.
Mr. Slife was born in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, Au-
gust 10, 1838, a son of Frederick and Christina (Byerley) Slife.
His parents were natives of the same county and state, married there,
and all their children were born in Pennsylvania. In 1851 they came
to Indiana. In Pennsylvania the father had been a renter, and with
the modest capital he had managed to accumulate invested in eighty
acres of land two miles east of Burket. To this he subsequently
added another eighty acres, and was well prospered and became one
of the substantial citizens of the county. He and his wife were
active in the Lutheran Church, and he was a democrat. Of the
eight children, three died in Pennsylvania and five came to Indiana.
The only two living now are Geroge W., a Seward Township farmer,
and Jacob.
Jacob Slife 'was a young lad when his parents came to this county
and he finished his education in the local public schools. He attended
one of the old log sehoolhouses of the county At the age of
twenty-one he inherited a modest share in the family estate, and
lived at home with his parents until he was twenty-eight. In March,
1865, he married Catherine Raker, who was born in Kosciusko
County January 24, 1842. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Slife
began renting, and after six years they bought fort.y acres, sold that
and bought eighty acres, and that in turn they also sold and ac-
quired a larger place of 160 acres. For two years they had their
home at Burket, and then Mr. Slife bought ninety-three acres north
542 HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY
of that village and to it gave his personal superintendence for another
five years. After that he sold his farming property and has since
been content with one of the comfortable homes of Burkett. He
lost his good wife July 14, 1918, after they had been married more
than half a century. Mr. Slife reared two boys. In politics he is a
democrat.
Ora G. Tucker. The Tuckers came to Franklin Township sixty-
five years ago. In all the time since then no name has been more
substantially identified with the farming, land owning and attendant
activities and pursuits in that quarter of the county.
The founder of the family in Franklin Township was John Tucker,
who was born in New Hampshire in 1791. He married Mary Ward,
who was born in 1800. John Tucker went to Richland County, Ohio,
in 1815. He was one of the first settlers in that part of the state.
Three years later he returned to his native state and married, and
in 1818 brought his bride to Ohio. John Tucker was a man of fine
education, and after a few other families had joined him in his pioneer
community in Richland County he opened a school and for sixty-five
consecutive terms was a teacher. On coming to Kosciusko County in
1853 he acquired land, and was the original owner of the land now
occupied by the Village of Sevastopol in Franklin Township. The
town was surveyed and was named by him. At that time the Crimean
war was in progress in Southern Russia, and the Battle of Sevastopol
was the most conspicuous event in foreign lands. John Tucker also
developed a fine apple orchard from seed of his own planting. He
died in 1879 and his wife in 1877. One of his children was Horace
Tucker and another is Albert Tucker, who is still living in this county.
Albert Tucker was bom in Richland County, Ohio, February 21,
1831. Since early youth he has been noted for his unusual business
ability and enterprise. Before he was fifty years old he had accumu-
lated 2,500 acres of land, nearly all of it in Kosciusko County. He
also founded the Village of Mentone, which was surveyed and platted
in May, 1882. He built the first elevator there in the spring of that
year, and used his capital and influence to promote its growth and
development in many ways. On his extensive acreage he raised and
bred innumerable cattle, hogs and horses, and at one time he was said
to be the largest dealer on his own capital in live stock in the county.
He always possessed a keen knowledge of men, and he aided many
with loans and with other forms of helpfulness, and never had to
foreclose a mortgage. At one time it was said that he had given
employment to more men and paid out more money for labor than
any farmer in Franklin Township.
In 1856 Albert Tucker married Mary E. Frame, who died leaving
one daughter, Alta M. In 1860 Albert Tucker married Miss Sarah
Blue, of Franklin Towaiship. She and her only son, John R., are
both deceased. On January 14, 1866, Alfred Tucker married Miss
Catherine McNeal, daughter of Daniel and Elizabeth McNeal. To
this union were born six children : Norman, born in 1868, now living
in Lake Township ; Charles M. ; Lee, lx)rn in 1874, deceased ; Curtis,
HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY 543
born in 1877, deceased; Nellie, born September 16. 1880, deceased;
and Ora G.
Ora G. Tucker is one of the pi'osperons farmers of Franklin
Township and has much of the ability and business .indgment of his
father. He was born in Franklin Township, ilareh 29. 1883, grew
up on his father's farm, and had a good education in the local schools.
He is now farming 320 acres in sections 22 and 23, and gives nmch
attention to good live stock.
In 1900 he married Miss Nora Sarber, daughter of Orville Sarber.
She was born in Kosciusko County. Mr. and Mrs. Tucker have four
children : Norman R., born March 17, 1905 ; Winifred K., born August
16, 1909 ; Lillie Irene, born January 18, 1912 ; and Albert M., bom
July 31, 1914. Mr. Tucker is an extensive stock dealer and has prob-
ably made most of his money in that way. In politics he is a re-
publican.
Charles J. Shitdkr. Some of the heaviest burdens of produc-
ing the foodstuffs for the world at the present time fall upoii men
who are comparatively young and yet past the normal military age.
One of these men in Kosciusko County is Charles J. Shuder, who has
been engaged in farming here all his active career and now has one
of the good farms in Tippecanoe Township, located 4i/j miles east of
Leesburg on rural route No. 1 out of that city.
Mr. Shuder was born in Tippecanoe Townsliip, Sei)tember 16,
1883. His parents were Isaac and Nancy J. (Lavering) Shuder, the
former born near Dayton, Ohio, and the latter in Kosciusko County.
The father is deceased and the mother is still living. Her home is
in Tippecanoe Township. Isaac Shuder was a democrat in politics.
There were the following children in the family : Henry, of Tippe-
canoe; Minnie, wife of Harry Larabee ; George, of Tippecmioe Town-
ship; Charles J.: Elsie, wife of Charles Wiseman, of Tippecanoe
Town.ship; Mabel, wife of Everett Leedy. of Plain Township; and
Ezra and Cleveland, both unmarried and at home.
Charles J. Shuder grew up on the old farm, and was educated in
the common schools to the age of thirteen. After that he busied him-
self with the respon.sibilities of the home place until he was twenty-
one.
In 1904 Mr. Shuder mai-ried Dessie Whissler. At lier death she
left one child, Audrie G., now twelve years old. On October 12. 1912,
Mr. Shuder married Miss Ina ]M. Kitson. i\Irs. Shuder was born in
Northeastern Kosciusko County, in Turkey Creek Township, Julv 26.
1880, a daughter of :\Iilton and iMargaret J. (Hire) Kitson. ' Her
father was born in Preble County, Ohio, April 11. 1S.')2. and died
August 22, 1914. Her mother was born in Elkhart County, Indiana,
December 18, 1857. Her father went with his parents to Elkhai-t
County in 1861, and on September 11, 1878, was married, and then
moved to Turkey Creek Township. Mrs. Shuder 's mother died June
16, 1907. She was an active member of the Methodist Episcopal
Church at Richville. Her father was a democrat and served one term
as assessor of Turke.\- Creek Township. In the family were four chil-
544 HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COtfNTY
dren : Ina M., Mrs. Shuder ; Harrj' E., who married Macy B. Miller
and lives in Whitley County, Indiana; Lucy C, wife of Carl Earn-
hart and a graduate of the Syracuse High School and now living
in Kosciusko County; and Floyd J., who lives in Whitley County
and married Eva Hibschman. Mrs. Shuder was educated iu the
public schools of Turkey Creek Township. The three children of
I\Ir. and ilrs. Shuder are": iMilton H., born March 28, 1914; Neva M.,
born July 22, 1915 ; and Wilma J., born February- 23, 1918
The operations carried on by Mr. Shuder as a practical farmer
are on his home place of about seventy-one acres. After his marriage
he lived in Turkey Creek Township for a time and also in Elkhart
County but then returned to his present location. In politics Mr.
Shuder is independent and his wife is a member of the Methodist
Episcopal Church.
Jacob D. Richer, M. D. No member of the medical profession
has exhibited higher qualifications for his work and has acquired a
better practice in Kosciusko County during the past twenty years
than Dr. Jacob D. Richer. Doctor Richer represents the Homeopathic
school of medicine, and has had a career of self-help and of intense
effort and ambition since early boyhood.
He was bom on a farm near Peru, Indiana, February 5, 1867. He
was one of a family of six children, four of whom are .still living,
whose parents were John C. and Sarah E. (Miller) Richer. Doctor
Richer 's grandfather was John Richer, a native of Switzerland. In
immigrating to America, and while on board a sailing ship he met a
French woman, Magdalena Noftsinger. They were married soon after
their arrival in this country. John Richer was a farmer, but also
taught school, and he located in Miami County, Indiana, in 1848, and
spent the rest of his days there as a substantial citizen. John C.
Richer, his son, has been a farmer all his active career and now lives
at North Manchester in Wabash County. On the home farm of his
parents Dr. Jacob D. Richer was reared to manhood, and his principal
advantages when a bo.v were afforded by the district schools. When
sixteen yeai-s of age he took the county school examination and began
teaching in the rural districts. From his savings he was able to attend
the National Normal I^ivei-sity of Lebanon, Ohio, where he was grad-
uated in 1889. All told he taught nine years in Miami County. After
graduating he attended the Northern Indiana Normal School and
also the McPherson College at McPhereon, Kansas.
Thus it was by hard work and much self denial that Doctor Richer
acquired the means necessary to his professional education. In 1893
he entered the Hahnemann Medical College at Chicago, and remained
a student there until he gi-aduated il. D. in 1896. Soon after grad-
uating he located at Warsaw and has lived there now for twenty
years, looking after a growing practice and each year enjoying a
rising esteem in the estimation of his fellow citizens and his profes-
sional associates. Dr. Richer is a member of the American and
Indiana Institutes of Homeopath.y, and fraternally is identified with
HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY 545
the Knights of the Maccabees and the Knights of Pythias. He and
his wife are members of the United Brethren Chnreli.
On September 18, 1S90, he married Miss Cora L. Wilson, a daugh-
ter of Harmon II. Wilson, of Peru. Indiana. To their marriage have
been born five children : Dr. Orville H., a graduate of Winona Col-
lege and Hahnemann College, joined the army and is in Siberia in
Government service ; Paul W., in the Coast Artillery service ; and
Cecil 0., a graduate of the Indiana Dental College and now practicing
in Gary, Indiana. Two others that died in infancy were named Ruth
and Iva May.
Albert Garber has for many years been one of the factors in
business and agricultural affairs in Tippecanoe Township. He has
been a farmer, a merchant, and while he still owns other interests in
that comnnniity is now president of the Farmers State Bank at North
Webstei-. He was one of the substantial local citizens who organized
this bank in 1916. It was opened for business in August, 1916, and
Mr. Garber has from the first been its president. The other officers
are: Samuel Miller, vice president, and James E. Rule, cashier. The
directors, all representing the substantial citizen.ship of the locality,
are in addition to Mr. Garber and Mr. Miller, Arthur Johnson, Grant
Bause, A. B. Warner, Joseph Weimer, John Bauher and Randolph
Allison. The bank was organized with a capital stock of $25,000.00
and its management has been conservative and at the same time has
done much to promote every worthy business object in and around
North Webster.
Mr. Garber was born in Tippecanoe Township, February 6, 1864,
son of Samuel W. and Polly (White) Garber. His father was a
native of Tuscarawas County, Ohio, and his mother of Pennsylvania.
The Whites and Garbers came to Indiana in early days. After their
marriage Samuel W. Garber and wife located on a farm in Tippecanoe
Township and were honored residents of that locality the rest of their
lives. They were members of the Christian Church. Samuel Garber
was a member and past chancellor of his ^Masonic Lodge and is a
republican and has served as justice of the peace. There were eleven
childi'cn in their familv. Daniel, proprietor of the Twin Lake Can-
ning Factory of North Webster; ]\Iary, wife of Milo Strombeck, a
former trustee of Tippecanoe Township now living at North Webster ;
Jefferson, who is postmaster of North Web.ster ; Albert ; Clementine,
wife of George 'SI. Humble ; Commodore, whose home is in Washing-
ton Township of this county; Emma, wife of Silas Cook; Jacob, of
Huntington, Indiana ; Barbara, wife of Charles Gandy ; Leaner, of
Tippecanoe Township ; and John, also a resident of Tippecanoe.
Albert Garber grew up on his father's farm and with a district
school education acquired a thorough familiarity with the practices
of agriculture when a youth. He farmed independentlv for a year
and then joined his brother Jefferson in business at Noblesville," In-
diana, under the firm name of Garber Brothers. After six years they
sold out and came to North Webster, where they bought a store.
Albert Garber was a member of the firm for about ten years and on
546 HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY
selling out moved to a fai'm in Tippecanoe Township, and was one
of the practical agrienltnrists of the locality for nine years. For
several years noM' he and his family have had their home in North
"Webster. Mr. Garber owns 160 acres of land in sections 25 and 26
of the township.
He married Miss Minnie Hire, who was born in Elkhart County.
Indiana. Mr. and ilrs. Garber have one son, Avery, a graduate of
high school and later a student at "Winona, and is now clerk and
deputy postmaster at North "Webster. Mrs. Garber is a member of
the Church of God at North "Webster. Fraternally Mr. Garber is
afiSliated with North "Webster Lodge No. 367, Knights of Pythias, and
is a republican voter, never having had any aspirations for office.
Charles S. Yeager. One of the farm homes that include good
management and prosperity to owners and occupants is that of
Charles S. Yeager in Scott Township, 6V2 miles southeast of Xap-
panee. Mr. Yeager has seventy acres of the old homestead, and is one
of the live and progressive citizens of that locality.
He was bom in Tippecanoe Township of this county February 14,
1856, a son of Andrew and Clarissa (Hull) Yeager. His father was
a native of Canada and his mother of Ohio. They married in Kosci-
usko County and from Tippecanoe Township the.v iinally moved to
section 30 of Scott Township, where the wife and mother died. The
father was married a second time, and spent his last years at Nap-
pauee. He was a very active member of the Church of God and a
republican, having held several township offices. Of his eleven chil-
dren, seven are still living: Charles S. ; Annis, wife of Daniel Martin,
of Prairie Township; Ida. wife of Jacob Thomas, of Scott Township:
Rose, Mife of Hiram Zinn, of Etna Township ; Orvil S. and Orlando,
twins, the former a resident of Jefferson Township and its trustee,
and the latter deceased ; ( 'lementine, deceased : Eva, wife of Alfred
Minor, of Etna : and Leonard, of Plain Township.
I\Ir. Charles S. Yeager gi-ew to manhood in Tippecanoe Township,
and attended district schools there. After reaching the age of twenty-
one he became manager of the homestead and gradually acquired
those interests and properties which now constitute his prosperity.
April 8, 1883, he married Eliza Thomas, who was born in Scott
Township, May 29, 1864. They have six children: IMinnie, wife of
Orville Lutz : Clayton, who is married and lives at Nappanee ; "\''ersa.
wife of Merle Freeman, of Prairie Township : "V^ictor, unmarried ; Bur-
ten, who married Lodema Miller; and Thela, a graduate of the com-
mon schools. The family are members of the Church of God, while
Mr. Yeager is one of its elders. He is a republican in politics.
JoHX A. Raugiier. This name is well known in Tippecanoe
Township as representing one of the leading farmers of that locality,
a banker, and a man of generous interests and inclinations as a citizen
and an upbuilder of his community.
Mr. Bauger was born in Tippecanoe Township, ^May 24, 1857, and
his life from birtli to tlie present has been spent in practically one
HISTORY OP KOSCIUSKO COUNTY 547
locality. His present home farm is V/^ miles southwest of North Web-
ster. His parents, Charles and Henrietta (Gigeler) Baiigher, were
both natives of Germany. His father was born in Bavaria June 24,
1829, and his mother on September 23, 1823. Charles Baugher liame
to the United States with his parents when he was eighteen years old.
They landed in New York City, went on to Ohio, and in 1848 settled at
North Webster, where the Baughers were pioneers and where the
name has been known and honored now for seventy j-ears. The mother
arrived in the vicinity of North Webster in 1847, and here Charlef
and Henrietta lived until their marriage and then located for a time
in the Village of North Webster, later three miles northeast of the
village, and from there moved to the farm where they spent their last
years. They were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church and
in polities the father was a democrat. A brief record of their seven
children is as follows : Jacob, deceased ; Matilda, deceased : John A. :
William P., of Turkey Creek Township; Christ H., of Kansas; Louise
and Hem-y, both deceased.
John A. Baugher as a boy attended the common schools of his
home locality, and he lived with his parents until twenty-two He
married Miss Clara Gross. At her death she left three children. Mary,
Je.ssie and Charles, all unmarried and still living at home. Por his
second wife Mr. Baugher married Celia J. See, a native of Virginia,
but since early infancy a resident of Indiana. 'Sir. and Mrs. Baugher
have one child, Kenneth W., who is a graduate of the common schools
and is a farmer in Tippecanoe Township. Kenneth married Hattie
Reed.
As a business man Mr. Baugher 's interests are represented by the
ownership of the 120 acres where he lives and also forty acres com-
prising the well known fishing resort known as Tippecanoe Park. He
is one of the directors of the Parmers State Bank at North Webster
and in every sense is one of the substantial men of his community.
He is a trustee and member of the official board of the Methodist
Episcopal Church at North Webster.
Calvin W. Burket, M. D. Fully half a centuiy of active practice
in medicine in Kosciusko County has made Doctor Burket the dean of
his profession, and he enjoys that rank not only liy reason of th(^
many years he has spent here but also for his ability and success as
a practitioner. His service has been commensurate with the length
of years in practice, and among the wide circle of his patients he has
been both a friend and a physician. The doctor is a man of gentle
manner in all his dealings, and these qualities, together with an expert
knowledge and skill in medicine, have combined to win him the strong
and enduring affection of hundreds of families in this county.
An Indiana man by birth, he was born at Hagerstown in Wayne
County, December 13. 1838. His parents were Samuel and Haniiali
(Bi.shop) Burket, and of their seven children only three now live.
The ancestors came originally from Germany, probably in the colonial
epoch, and the name when first introduced in America was spelled
Burkhardt. but in the coni-sc of many years has been simj^lified to its
548 HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY
present form. Samuel Biirket, father of Doctor Burket, was bom iu
Ohio and came with his father to Wayne County, Indiana. Grand-
father Burket built one of the first grrist mills in that county and
operated it for the benefit of the early settlers a number of j-ears.
As a boy and youth in Hagerstown ilr. Burket had such advan-
tages and experiences as were common to Indiana boys during the
'40s and '50s. He had passed his majority when he took up the study
of medicine with Dr. Calvin West at Hagerstown, and during the
winter of 1860-61 took his first course of lectures in the University
of Michigan at Ann Arbor. This career as a student was interrupted
by the outbreak of the Civil war. Doctor Burket has an interesting
record as a soldier during the great conflict between the North and
the South, and he was a unit in those gi-eat armies which swept the
heart of the Confederacy in the years 1863-64. He responded almost
at the first call for volunteers, and enlisted in April, 1861. in a three
months regiment. He was a member of Company I of the noted
Eleventh Indiana Infantry, a regiment commanded by General Lew
Wallace. The only engagemeiit in which he participated during that
three months' term was a skirmish at Romney, Virginia. When he
was discharged it was with the rrnik of orderly sergeant. He almost
immediately re-enlisted in Company I of the Fifty-Seventh Indiana
Volunteer Infanti-y, and on its organization was commissioned fii'st
lieutenant. He went with the command from Indianapolis to Louis-
ville. Kentucky, from there marched through Kentucky to Nashville,
Tennessee, and .ioined Grant's army in time to participate in the
great Battle of Shiloh. Then followed the siege of Corinth, and after
that Buell's movements through Nashville and South Kentucky in
the pursuit of General Bragg. He was with the Union forces at Stone
River, and there sufi'ered a severe scalp wound from an exploded
shell. However, he never left the regiment, but continued with it
and took part in the battle of Perryville, went on to Chattanooga, was
engaged in some of the important movements of the campaigns around
that city, and fought in the picturesque engagement on Lookout
Mountain. Following this he was sent home on recruiting duty, and
while he was away his regiment fought in the battle of Chicka-
mauga. He rejoined it in time to help lead in the historic charge at
Missionary Ridge. Then followed the great Atlanta campaign, last-
ing more than three months, and before the fall of Atlanta he was
sent home and no hopes were held out for his recovery from the
severe illness from which he was suffering. In July, 1864, he resigned
his command and was granted an honorable discharge. In 1862 he
had been commissioned captain of his company while at Nashville.
In spite of predictions to the contrary Captain Burket recovered
his health and during the winter of 1864-65 resumed his med'cal
studies in the University of [Michigan. In 1865-66 he attended the
Ohio Medical College at Cincinnati, which at the conclusion of his
term awarded him the degree of Doctor of [Medicine. In 1866 he
opened his office and began practice at Warsaw. That has been his
home and the center from which have radiated his service and influ-
ence as a physician and citizen for a period of half a centur^■. There
HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY 549
is no physician now living in Kosciusko County who has more inter-
esting reminiscences connected with the life of the people and the
changes which he has witnessed in his own profession than Doctor
Burket.
In politics he is a republican whose loyalty has been a steadfast
quality ever since he bore arms to preserve the Union in the dark and
stormy daj-s of the '60s. He is a member of the Grand Army of the
Republic and belongs to the Masonic Order. He and his wife are
members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
In 1867, soon after beginning his active practice, Doctor Burket
married Miss Martha Elmer. To their union were boi-n five children :
Prank, who died at the age of sixteen; Willard, a dentist at Warsaw;
Ernest and Edith, twins, the former a dentist at Fort Wayne and the
latter the wife of Edward Kulin. of Warsaw; and Milton, who died
at the age of twelve years.
WiLLi.vM Stackhouse, whose death occurred September 12. 1918,
was an honored veteran of the Civil war and represented a family
that has been identified with Kosciusko County for a long period of
years, and have given their best efforts and enterprise as a contribu-
tion to the good citizenship and substantial activities of this com-
munity. Mr. Stackhouse owned a large farm, valuable land, well im-
proved buildings, and gave it capable management. The farm is in
Scott Township, about six miles south and a quarter mile east of
Nappanee.
Though a resident of Kosciusko County from infancy he was born
in England June 10, 1843. a son of John and Hannah (Ellison'*
Stackhouse. His parents in 1846, three years after his birth, came
to America and in the fall of the same year located in Scott Township
where they were numbered among the pioneers. Here they lived their
good and useful lives, and both were identified with the Methodist
Episcopal Church, while the father was a republican in polities. In
their family were fifteen children, two of whom are still living : Hugh,
who lives on the old homestead in Scott Township ; and Wesley, of
Scott Township.
William Stackhouse grew up in Kosciusko County and his educa-
tion was partly a product of the subscription schools and partly of
the public schools. Before he was yet twenty-one years of age, on
January 1, 1864, he enlisted in Company K of the 74th Indiana In-
fantry, and was with that command during its marching and campaign-
ing until the end of the war. He was with Sherman in the great
campaign leading up to the siege and fall of Atlanta, and knows full
well the dangers and hardships of a soldier's life.
After the war he returned home and went to farming. He mar-
ried Anna Teal, who died in 1873, her only child dying in infancy.
On May 7, 1874, Mr. Stackhouse married Eliza Martin. She was
born in Kosciusko County, daughter of John Martin. After their
marriage Mr. and Mrs. Stackhouse went to housekeeping on the farm
where they afterward resided. Here they have prospered in material
circumstances and at the same time reared a family of children, seven
550 HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY
ill number : Delia is the wife of Ora Anglin, of Scott Township ; Etta
is the wife of Zeb Doty ; Rosa is the wife of William Harrison ; Cora
married Clayton Harlan; Owen lives on the home farm and married
Cleo Utter; Urshel and Hazel, the youngest children, are both gradu-
ates of the common school and Hershel is a graduate of high school
and is a farmer. Hazel is the wife of Harvey Moore. The family are
members of the Christian Church and ]\Ir. Stackhouse was a repub-
lican voter.
Orlando F. Gerard has sustained a veiy prominent part in the
business and civic interests of North Webster, one of the oldest towns
in Kosciusko County. He is now giving practically all his time to his
duties as trustee of Tippecanoe Township.
]\rr. Gerard was born in that township March 26, 1859, son of
Isaac and Loiiisa (Kirkpatriek) Gerard. His father was a native of
Stark County, Ohio, and his mother of Kosciusko County, Indiana.
Grandfather Abner Gerard after his marriage located in Stark
County, Ohio, and from there came to Indiana and located near North
Webster, where he had his home until his death. Isaac Gerard was
about twenty years old when the family came to this county. He was
married here and they then located on a farm in Harrison Township.
His wife died live years later, and he continued to live in Harrison
Township until 1877, when he moved to Tippecanoe Township and
remained a resident of that locality until his death. He and his first
wife had five children, four of whom are still living: Orlando F. ;
Melissa, twin sister of Orlando and widow of 0. E. Little; il. C, of
South Whitley, Indiana ; and William E., of North Manchester. The
father by a second marriage had a son, M. M. Gerard, now deceased.
Orlando P. Gerard gi-ew up on his father's farm in Harrison
Township and had a district school education. At the age of twenty-
one he began working for wages and on August 12, 1880, married
Lavina Mock. Mrs. Gerard was bom in Tippecanoe Township, June
7, 1860, daughter of John Mock. Without children of their own, Mr.
and Mm. Gerard adopted a daughter. Bertha Gerard, who is now the
wife of Ams}- Hamman, of North Webster.
Mr. Gerard has always been a sturd.y republican in his political
affiliations. The confidence felt in him by his fellow citizens is well
indicated by the fact that he served as postmaster of North Webster
during the administrations of Cleveland, Harrison and the second
administration of Cleveland, altogether a consecutive period of ten
years. In 1891 he entered business with his brother-inJaw, John
Mock, of North Webster, and they were associated under the firm
name of Mock & Gerard iiutil 1897. Mr Gerard then sold his inter-
ests, and for a time was again postmaster. Later he was manager of
the iloek General Store for eleven years and practically retired from
business at the time of his election to the office of township trustee.
The citizens of Tippecanoe Township feel that the school and other
affairs of their locality were never in better hands than when <"•'-
trusted to Mr. Gerard.
HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY 551
Isaiah Kuhn, a native son of Kosfiusko Connty, long identified
with the agricnltural enterprise of this section, has directed his eflforts
to such good purpose and now when far from being an old man he
is able to retire and enjoy the comforts of a good town home at North
Webster.
Mr. Kuhn was bom in Tippecanoe Township, ^May 3, 1850, son of
John and Susan (]\Iock) Kuhn. His fatlier was a native of Germany
and his mother of Penns.vlvania. John Kuhn came to the United
States when a .young man, and lived successively in Pennsylvania and
Ohio, and in the fall of 1849 brought his family to Indiana and set-
tled near North Webster, buying a farm a mile from that village. Here
he spent the rest of his days. He was an active member of the Diink-
ard Church. The death of this early settler occurred in 1860. He
and his wife had thirteen childi-en, seven of whom are still living :
John, Isaac, George, Julia, widow of Eli Hamman, Josiah, Daniel
and Isaiah. The oldest, John, is living in Tippecanoe Township at
the age of ninety-two.
Isaiah Kuhn spent his boyhood days in his native township and
had the advantages of the local schools there. He lived at home to the
age of twenty-one. On February 7, 1875, he married Selma Young.
^Irs. Kuhn was born in Ohio in 1854. After their marriage they lived
at Melford a year, and then returning to Tippecanoe Township bought
the old homestead of fifty-three acres. Mr. Kuhn added to this until
he had an excellent farm of ninety acres, but in 1911 he sold out and
moved to North Webster. He is still a fann owner, having a place
of fifty-one acres a mile north of town.
Mr. Kuhn has always afSliated with the republican party. He and
his wife had four children : Lena, the oldest, is a graduate of com-
mon and high schools and is now a teacher in the primary department
of the North Webster school, of which her husband, Professor Warren
Wilcox, is superintendent. The second child, Chloe, lost her life by
drowning. Ada is a graduate of the common schools and is the wife
of Jack Buttz, of Angola, Indiana. Professor Ray Kuhn is a man of
thorough education and is superintendent of the Pierceton schools.
Daniel M. Garber. Much of Kosciusko county's rapk and im-
portance as a fruit growing section in a commercial way is due to the
enterprise of Daniel M. Garber, one of the most successful horticul-
turists of the county and founder and manager of the Twin Lakes
Canning Company, an institution that is doing much to preserve the
fruit products not only of his own farm but of the surrounding
section.
Mr. Garber represents one of the very old and prominent families
of the county. He was born in Tippecanoe Township April 16, 1860.
son of Samuel W. and Polly A. (White) Garber. His grandfather,
Jacob Garber, was a native of Pennsylvania. After moving to Ohio
he married Barbara Mock. They became early settlers of Kosciusko
County, where they spent their last years. Their children were named
Julia, Samuel, Jacob, Catherine, Allen, Henry and Mary. Of these
Jacob, Catherine and Mary are still living.
552 HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY
Samuel "W. Garber was born August 24, 1832, in Tuscarawas
County, Ohio, near Bolivar. His wife was born July 9, 1837. They
married in Kosciusko County and lived here the rest of their days.
The father died Febi-uary 19, 1888, and his wife November 24, 1885.
To their marriage were born twelve children : George W., born March
18, 1858, and died December 1, 1S60; Daniel M., born April 16, 1860;
Mary J., born July 6, 1861: Thomas J., bom December 22, 1862;
Albert, born February 6, 1864 : Clementione, born ]\Iay 15, 1865 ;
Commodore, born March 20, 1866; Emma F., born November 10,
1668; Jacob, born September 30, 1871; Barbara E., bom July 29,
1873 ; Leander, born September 2, 1875 ; and John H., bom ilay 17,
1877. Eleven of this large family are still living.
Daniel ]M. Garber grew up on his father's farm in Tippecanoe
Township and had the advantages of the district schools. On Sep-
tember 20, 1880, he married Miss Eliza E. Reed, who was bom Decem-
ber 11, 1856. After their marriage they began housekeeping in the
same township where they had grown up, and thej' occupied the old
homestead farm until 1903. Mr. Garber has always given more or
less attention to the propagation of small fruits, and his farm at pres-
ent is largely devoted to horticultural crops. Some years ago he
established the Twin Lakes Canning factory, and that is now a suc-
cessful corporation under the name D. M. Garber & Sons.
Mr. and Mrs. Garber have children: Frances, a graduate of the
common schools and wife of Allen C. Long, living near Wlieelock,
North Dakota ; Charles J., whose home is with his father and who is
an active business associate with him, married Truly Smith ; Letitia,
wife of Charles L. i\Iiller, their home being near Oak Grove Church in
Tippecanoe Township ; Samuel M., a resident of Tippecanoe Town-
ship ; Mary, a graduate of the common schools, had one year of high
school work.
The family are members of the Christian Church at North Web-
.ster. Mr. Garber has long been prominent as a leader in local
republican politics, served two terms as tmstee of Tippecanoe Town-
ship and for thirty years was a member of the County Central Com-
mittee. He is also well known fraternally, being a past master and
member of the Grand Lodge of Hacker Lodge No. 321, Ancient Free
and Accepted ^Masons, a past chancellor of North Webster Lodge No.
367, Knights of Pj^hias, and has sat in the Grand Lodge ; and has
filled several chairs in the Knights of the Maccabees.
James C. Jarrett. Some of the oldest names and some of the
best people of Kosciusko County are represented by Mr. James C.
Jarrett and family. ^Ir. Jarrett is himself a citizen whose work and
character have broiight him enviable prominence and has lived prac-
tically all his life in Kosciusko County. He is a soldier of the great
Civil war. and in many ways his works and influence have justified
his presence and the honor paid him by his fellow citizens.
Mr. Jarrett, who lives on his farm three-quarters of a mile west
of North Webster, was born in Tippecanoe Township on the east side
of Webster Lake, June 17, 1848, son of Doctor Jonas and Julia (John-
HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY 553
son) Jarrett. His father was a native of Kanawha Connty, Virginia,
and on coming to Kosciusko County located on the bank of Webster
Lake as a pioneer. He studied medicine principally at Cincinnati,
and began his practice at Boydson Mills, now Yohn's Mills. He was
in professional work there for ten years, and then moved to North
Webster, where he continued serving a large clientele until his death
in 1887.
He married in this county Julia Johnson, who was born in Vir-
ginia. Her father, Benjamin Johnson, came from Virginia on foot
to Kosciusko County, and was one of the arrivals here in 1835. He
built his log cabin near the outlet of Webster Lake in the same year.
Mi-s. Jarrett came with her father to Kosciusko Connty when she was
a small girl. Doctor and Mrs. Jarrett had four children : Emily, wife
of Captain B. F. James, of Warsaw; John W., who married Elizabeth
Mock and now lives in Kansas; James C. ; Lucinda, wife of Eli Marks
of Kelso, Washington.
James C. Jarrett as a boy attended some of the primitive public
schools of Tippecanoe Township. He lived at home until he was
twenty-two years of age, and on October 14, 1870, married Chloe J.
Warner.
Mrs. Jarrett is also member of a prominent family. She is a
daughter of Thomas K. and Hester A. (Benford) Warner. Her
father was born near Cincinnati in Hamilton County, Ohio, son
of Henry Warner, who arrived in Tippecanoe Township of Kosciusko
County in 1836. His location and the scene of his in<lustri(ius efforts
as a pioneer was in section 9 of that township. His son, Thomas K.
Warner, came the same year, and it was the distinction of this son
to teach the first school in Tippecanoe Township during the winter of
1838-39. After that he taught many terms, and was one of the best
educated men of the county in the early days. Thomas K. Warner
and wife had the following children : Hershel J., who gave up his
life as a sacrifice to the Union at Murfreesboro while with the
Thirtieth Indiana Infantry ; Chloe J., wife of Mr. Jarrett ; Albert ;
Mary E., wife of Silas Kettering; Sarah A., wife of John A. Ketter-
ing; Alice, wife of Sylvester Humble, of Wisconsin; and William, of
Tippecanoe Township.
Mrs. Jarrett grew up on the farm where she was born and had a
good education in the country schools. After their marriage Mr. and
Mrs. Jarrett lived for fourteen years at North Webster; where they
engaged in farming, and from there moved to their present place
where they own forty acres of good land.
Five children were born to Mr. and IMrs. Jarrett, three of whom
died in infancy. Of the two living, B. J. Jarrett is now in business
at Renssalaer, Indiana, and married Mollie Abshire. The younger
child, Sadie, is the wife of Wesley Weimer, and they have their home
on the east bank of Webster Lake. ]\Ir. and Mrs. Jarrett besides their
two living children have eight grandchildren and one great-grand-
child. They are active members of the Methodist church and Mrs.
Jarrett has been connected with that church since 1862.
The soldier record of Mr. Jarrett was made dui'ing the middle
554 HIOTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY
period of the Civil war. la July, 1863, he enlisted in Company G of
the One Hundred and Eigrhteenth Indiana Infantry, and sei-ved until
mustered out on ]March 25, 1864. He then reenlisted in Company G,
Thirty-Eighth Indiana Infantry, and saw active service until the
close of hostilities. He is a member of the Grand Army Post at War-
saw, and has always been a decided republican in politics, though
never an aspirant for any political office. Mr. and Mrs. Jarrett have
three grandsons in the United States service, one in the ua\7- and two
in the motor truck service.
John Estep has lived in Kosciusko Count_y nearly half a c-entury.
assisted when a boy in clearing up some of the primeval woods and
making the land suitable for cultivation, and for a number of years
owned one of the good farms in Scott Township, where he is rated as
one of the most prosperous farmers.
Mr. Estep was born in Rockingham, Virginia, June 15, 1851, a
son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Tussing) Estep, both natives of Shen-
andoah County, Virginia. Samuel Estep had some distinctly hostile
views to the institution of slavery and secession, and it was to avoid
conscripted service into the Confederate anuy that he left the South
and went to Ohio and later came to Kosciusko County. He and his
wife died in Jefferson Township, and he was always a loyal republican
in politics from the formation of that party. There were nine chil-
dren, and eight are still living: William, deceased: Rachel, widow
of Washington Price; Amos, of Virginia: Josiah, of Leesbnrg. In-
diana; John: Henry; Lyclia, widow of George Grinder: Sarah, wife
of Rufus Leist ; and Elizabeth, widow of George Cummings.
John Estep was about twenty-two years of age when he came to
Kosciusko County, and he accpiired his early schooling in Ohio. He
learned the value of industry as a means of self advancement, and
gave his father his wages until he was twenty-one. He then worked
by the month and has earned all the prosperity represented in his
good farm of 120 acres which he owns today.
He married Sophi-onia Harlan, who died leaving two sons : Walter
H. and William L. Walter married Bessie Shively. For his second
wife 'Sir. Estep married Lida Huffman, who died in 1910. Mr. Estep
is a member of the Church of God and is a i-epublican in polities.
Charles A. Williamson. Among the class tc which Kosciusko
County must look for its future development along agricultural lines
is found Charles A. Williamson, whose well-developed property is
located in the vicinity of Burkett. With the exception of four years
his entire life has been passed in this county, where he has devoted
his energies and abilities to the cultivation of the soil, and at the same
time has established himself in the confidence and esteem of his fellow-
citizens, who, in recognition of his sterling qualities of character,
have elected him to positions of public trust.
Mr. Williamson was born in Kosciusko County, February 20, 1875.
and is a sou of John H. and Sarah Ann (Byers) Williamson. His
paternal grandfather, Jolm Conley Williamson, was born in Virginia
HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY 555
(now West Virginia), and was an early settler of Miami Coiintj-,
Indiana, where he took up land from the United States Government,
and there followed farming and stock raising with success for many
years. In the evening of life he came to Kosciusko County, but
eventually went to Mississippi, where his death occurred, his body
being brought back to this county for interment. One of his sons,
Taylor Williamson, represented the family as an upholder of the
Union during the Civil war, in which he fought as a member of an
Indiana volunteer infantry regiment. John H. Williamson, father
of Charles A., was born in 1852, in Miami County, Indiana, was reared
as a fanner, a vocation which he adopted when he embarked on his
own career, and after reaching his majority came to Kosciusko
County. Here he settled on a farm in Seward Township, where he
continued operations until his death. April .30, 1903, at which time
he M'as the owner of 160 acres of good land, the improvements on
which made it one of the be.st farms of its size in this part of the
county. This was accumulated solely through his own labor, as he
received no outside assistance and had only ordinary advantages in
his youth. He was known as one of the sound and reliable men of
his community who lent his aid to every movement that promised
advancement and was an active factor in the development of Seward
Township. He was a republican in his political views, but his activ-
ities in this direction were largely confined to the interest taken by
a good citizen with the welfai'c of his locality at heart. ^Ir. William-
son was married in Kosciu.sko County to Miss Sarah Ann Byers, who
was born in this county in 1856, the daughter of Jacob Byers, who
was bom in Johnson County, Tndiaiia, and came at an early date to
Kosciusko County, where his death occurred after a long and uni-
formly successful career as a farmer. Mrs. Williamson, who was
educated in the public schools, died ilay 30, 1911, in the fnith of the
United Brethren Church, of which she had been a member since girl-
hood. JMr. and Mrs. Williamson became the parents of nine children,
of whom five are living, as follows: Early Conley, who is engaged in
farming in Kosciusko County: Ernest, who is also an agriculturist of
this county : Jennie E., who is the wife of David Bruner, also a farmer
of this county: Benjamin Franklin, who farms in this county; and
Charles A., of this notice. Ben.iaiiiin F. Williamson is also employed
as an operator for tlie Nickel Plate Railway.
Charles A. Williamson \\;is given the advantages of attendance at
the district schools of his native county and the high school at Burkett,
and during his vacations assisted his father and brothers in the opera-
tion of the homestead farm. When he attained his majority, in Feb-
ruary, 1896, he left this county and went to :Miami County, Indiana,
where he rented a farm fi-oin his grandfather, and in the following
y^ar purchased this property. However, he felt that conditifins and
opportunities for advancement were better suited to his abilities in
Kosciusko County, and accordingly, in 1899, sold his Miami County
farm and returned to the vicinity of his birthplace. Here he secured
by purchase a farm in Seward Township, consisting of eighty-six
acres, the greater part of which is now under a high state of Vnltiva-
556 HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY
tion. Mr. Williamson raises all the standard crops, including corn,
wheat and oats, and has also met with satisfying success in raising
and shipping cattle and hogs, while in former years he devoted a large
part of his time to the raising of thoroughbred horses, although this
department recently has not been operated. He has improved the
residence and barn on the farm, and as a progressive, energetic farmer
has installed much machinery of a modern character. He is vice pres-
ident and a heaA'j' stockholder of the Bank of Seward at Bnrkett.
Mr. Williamson was married in 1895 to Miss Eliza C. Rickel, of
Kosciusko County, daughter of Reason Rickel. an old and honored
native-born citizen of this county, where he still lives at the age of
seventy-three years. Mrs. Williamson is a member of the United
Pre.sbyterian Church. Mr. Williamson is a member, at Miami, of the
Improved Order of Red Men, and has passed through the chairs of his
lodge. A republican in his political views, he was appointed a mem-
ber of the board of trustees in 1912, and in spite of the fact that this
township is strongly democratic was elected to that office in the fall of
1913 by a satisfying ma.jority. In 1915 he was the candidate of his
party for the office of county auditor, but met with defeat owing to
political conditions.
John W. Montel, of the Atwood community, has recently' passed
his seventieth birthday. He is one of the oldest native sons of
Kosciusko Countv. and his career has been one of honorable and
useful activity. He is a veteran of the Civil war, and most of his years
have been spent in farming and in dealing in farm lands. He is
now practically retired, and has a competence against his declining
years.
Born in Kosciusko County July 1, 1845, he is a son of John S.
and Susan (Wolf) Montel. His parents were both natives of Penn-
sylvania. The paternal grandfather was Christopher IMontel, who
was bora in Germany and when a young man came to America, set-
tling in Pennsylvania, and was there in time to take a part in the
War of the Revolution. He after«'ards moved to Ohio and finally
to Indiana, where he died. The maternal grandfather was Jacob
Wolf, also a native of Pennsylvania, who migrated to Preble Coun-
ty, Ohio, where he died after many years as a farmer. John S. and
Susan Montel were married in Ohio, and after ten or twelve years
in that state they came on to Indiana. John S. Montel is numbered
among the very early settlers in Kosciusko County, having settled on a
farm in this locality in 1837. This was an almost unbroken wilder-
ness at the time and the Jlontel family supplied its table largely from
the wild game which was abundant in the woods. He did his share
in clearing up some of the firet lands brought under cultivation, and
altogether he did a worthy part as an early settler. He was an active
member of the Lutheran Church and in politics a democrat.
John W. Montel, who was the youngest in a family of thirteen
children, was reared in this community, attended the country schools,
and his recollections are of one of the old fashioned log school houses,
HISTORY OP KOSCIUSKO COUNTY 557
which had a puncheon floor and slab bench seats, and the curriculum
of ■ instruction was strictly confined to the three R's.
He was still quite young when the war broke out. On August 5,
1862, in response to Lincoln's call for 300,000 men, he enlisted in Com-
pany I of the Twelfth Indiana Infantry. Altogether he was in twenty-
one battles and a large number of skirmishes. In one of the first bat-
tles in which he participated, at Richmond, Kentucky, he was made
a prisoner, but was subsequently exchanged, returned home for a
furlough of twenty days, and then rejoined his command. He took
part in those great movements which wrested the country between
Chieamauga and Atlanta from the Confederacy, and he followed
Sherman on his glorious march to the sea.
Following the war Mr. Montel located at Silver Lake and applied
himself vigorously to his duties as a farmer and agriculturist. He
married Miss Elvira Eppler. She was bom in Marion County, Ohio,
and came to Kosciusko County when only seven years of age. To their
marriage have been born four children : Eleanora, wife of Benjamin
Dancer, a carpenter at Atwood; William S.. who is in the railroad
service and lives at Atwood ; Artie May, wife of Jacob Shank, of
Mishawaka, Indiana, a groceryman there ; and Oris Clyde, who is
employed in a factory at Mishawaka.
Mr. and Mrs. Montel take an active part in the United Brethren
Church. He keeps up his as.sociations with old army comrades as a
member of the Grand Army of the Republic, and in politics is a
republican. At one time he was township supervisor. Some years
ago Mr. Montel dealt quite extensively in farm lands, and his busi-
ness dealings have always been characterized by honesty and success-
ful results. A few ye^rs ago he retired from the major activities
and responsibilities of the farmer, and now has an excellent home at
Atwood.
WiLLi.vM W. Warren. Now in the twilight of a well-spent life,
William W. Warren is living retired in his comfortable residence at
Mentone. His birthplace, a farm in Henry County, his boyhood
passed amid the scenes and experiences of early Kosciusko County,
and his mature years devoted to the cultivation of the soil and the
development of the latter community — the record of .such a life, if told
in its completeness, would make a volume of interesting reading. It
is not our privilesre to place it before our readers in its entirety.
As we may not follow evei-y curve of a river, but can only trace its
general outlines from its source to the sea, so while we may not relate
every incident in the life of Mr. Warren, we can, notwithstanding,
narrate the principal events which have marked and characterized his
career.
Mr. Warren was born in Henrv County, Indiana, November 3,
1843, and is a son of James and Polly (Beeson) Warren. His grand-
father, James Warren, was born in South Carolina, and at an early
period in Indiana's history migrated to this state, taking up his
residence in Wayne County, where for several years he followed
his trade of blacksmith, but later turned his attention to farming.
558 HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY
in which occupation he passed his last years. His sou, James Warren,
the father of "William W., was born in "Wayne County, in 1822, later
7noved to Henry County, where he was married and lived for some
years, and in I80I came to Kosciusko County, locating on a farm in
Franklin Township. From modest circumstances he worked his way
by industry and perseverance to the ownership of a valuable and
well-cultivated farm, reared a family of chilclren who took their
places as responsible members of their several communities, and won
the respect and confidence of his fellow-citizens. He was a republi-
can in his political views, but was content to devote himself to the
labors of the aprrieulturist, and was not a seeker for public preferment.
He was a member of the Dunkard faith and an honest, God-fearing cit-
izen. Mr. "Warren was married in Henry County, Indiana, to Miss
Polly Beeson, who was born in North Carolina in 1822, daughter of
"William H. Beeson, who brought his family to Indiana in 1827 and
settled in Henry County. Mr. Beeson, who was also a farmer all of
his life, later hearkened to the call of the "West, and his death oecnrj-ed
in Iowa. Mr. and Mrs. "Warren were the parents of seven children,
of whom "William "W. is the only survivor.
William W. Warren grew up amid rural surroundings on the
Henry County homestead of the family, and there received his early
ediieation in the public schools. This was supplemented by attend-
ance at the district schools of Kosciusko County, to which community
he was brought when eight years of age. and where he grew to sturdy
and active manhood. As a youth he learned the carpenter's trade,
at which he worked in connection with farming, and as a contractor
erected a number of buildings in the commuuitj', which stood for many
years as monuments to his skill and good workmanship. Howevei-.
the greater part of his attention was devoted to the family occupation
of farming, a vocation in which he gained marked success during the
years of his activity. He is now the owner of 248 acres of well-devel-
oped land, located in Franklin Township, where he has substantial
buildings and improvements of a modern character, this having been
conducted by his son since i\Ir. Warren retired from active life. He
now makes his home at ilentone, where he has an attractive residence.
Mr. Warren has worked his own way to a position of independence and
prominence. He had few advantages in his youth save those given
him by an ambitious and determined disposition, but these have proved
sufficient to aid him in the accomplishment of his desires. He is a
stockholder in the Farmers Bank of ^Mentone, one of the substantial
institutions of this part of the county, and has other interests in land
and investments, in which he has shown his faith in the continued
advancement of Kosciusko County.
In 1862 Mr. Warren was married to iliss Nancy J. Guekenliour.
who was born in Ohio, and of their children two ai"e living: iliss
Clara, who makes her home with her father, was given an excellent
educational training, became a teacher in the public .schools, and aftei'
seventeen years of educational work at Beaver Dam, Indiana, came,
two years ago, to Mentone, where she now has a large and appreciative
class: and Alva, who is engaged in carrying on the work of his father's
HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY 559
farm in Franklin Township. Tho mother of these children died Oe-
tober 7, 1915, firm in the faith of the Baptist churcli, of whieh she
had been a devout member for thirty-five years, and to which I\Ir.
Warren and their children still belong. ^Ir. Warren is one of the
best known men iu this part of the state in the Independent Order
of Odd Fellows, being the oldest member of Mentone Lodge, which he
joined in 1872, and in which he has passed through the chaii-s tlirce
times. He is a rejinblican in his political affiliation, and on that ticket
was elected a member of the board of trustees of the Town of ilentone,
a position in which he is now acting with ability and fidelity.
William Graff is a member of the firm Graff Brothers in Seward
Township, who have not been content merel.y with the business of
producing crops as practical fanners, but have also furnished facilities
for marketing and distributing the ei'ops and livestock of others, and
handle much of the local produce of that section through their elevator
and yards at Burkett. Mr. William Graff of this firm has his farm
home a mile east of Burkett.
He was born in Franklin Township of this county March 21,
1875, a son of George and Julia (Kern) Graff. His father was born
in Alsace-Lorraine October 4, 1852. He grew up there and in 1870
came to America and spent his first two years at Warsaw. A cabinet
maker by trade, he followed that occupation in Warsaw, and then
moved to Sevastopol, where for twelve years he was in the employ
of Mr. Peter Blue. While there he began buying stock and every
year shipped a number of carloads out of this count.y. He finally re-
moved to the Jacob Weirick farm, and after four years moved to
Seward TowTiship, in 1885, and bought 100 acres of land. Here his
business prospered and he continued as a farmer and stock buyer until
his death in 1910. He accumulated an estate of 300 acres. After
coming to this county George Graff married Julia Kern, who was also
a native of one of the French provinces, and had come to America on
the same boat with her prospective husband. Both were active mem-
bers of the Lutheran church and George Graff was a democrat. They
had three children : William, Emma, and George. Emma is the wife
of James Howard, of Seward Township.
George Graff, Jr., the younger member of the firm of Graff Broth-
el's, was born in Franklin Township January 13, 1881. He married
Lulu Brunner, and they have a son, High, born in 1904.
The Graff Brothers have been iu active business as gi'aiu buyers
at Burkett since April 1, 1911. The.v built the present elevator in
1914. Both of them grew up with training and practical experience
in the business of stock bu.ying, and they have been handling stock
either as individual feeders or buyers for a number of years. Mr.
George Graff is a stockholder in the Bank of Seward.
William Graff mai-ried Oda Andrews. They have one son, Wayne,
bom in 1905. Both the Graff brothers are democratic voters.
T. H. Idle is well and favorably known all over Kosciusko Count\-,
and enjoys the fruits of success due to his long continued labors as
Vol. U— 12
560 HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY
a farmer and stockman. At the urgent solicitation of his fellow citi-
zens he has accepted various places of trust and responsibility and is
the present trustee of Monroe Township.
Mr. Idle was born in Champaign County, Ohio, June 7, 1856, son
of Martin and Levina (Harbour) Idle. Martin Idle was born in Ohio
March 3, 1818, a son of John and Catherine Idle, both of whom were
natives of Virginia and pioneer settlers of Champaign County, Ohio,
where John Idle died at the age of ninety-eight, and his wife also
lived to a good old age. Long years and good and faithful work have
apparently been characteristics of all the generations of the family.
Levina Harbour was born in Champaign County March 4, 1820,
daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Harbour, who were also Virginians.
Her father lived to be ninety years of age and was the father of thirty-
two children. His wife, who was the grandmother of Mr. Idle, died
at the age of forty-seven. Martin Idle and wife were married in Ohio
and in the fall of 1856 came to Kosciusko County and located in
section 16 in Monroe Township, acquiring a farm where thej' spent
the rest of their years. Both died in the year 1900, Martin in June
and his wife in July, having attained the age of fourscore or more.
They were the parents of eleven children, only two of whom are now
living, Jane and T. H. Idle. Jane is the widow of Stephen Norris
and lives in Oklahoma.
T. H. Idle was an infant when his parents came to Kosciusko
County and on the old farm in Monroe Township he grew to manhood,
acquired an education in the district schools and entered upon his
serious career in the farming vocation. For the past twenty years
he has been one of the leading stock shippers of the county, and has
also served as solicitor for the Farmers Mutual Insurance Company
of Kosciusko County.
Mr. Idle married Melissa Heckman. She became the mother of six
children, five of whom are still living and four of them are grad-
uates of the common school. For his second wife Mr. Idle married
Mary Delander and they have one son George, who has finished the
work of the high school. They are members of the Christian Church
and Mr. Idle is affiliated with Sidney Lodge No. 847 Independent
Order of Odd Fellows which he has served as noble grand three
times and has sat in the Grand Lodge three terms. As a democrat he
has long been prominent and influential and his position has enabled
him to overcome the adverse majorit.v of the republican organization.
To the office of township trustee which he fills at present he was elected
by a majority of eighteen at a time when the township was normally
forty-two republican. He was once nominated for sheriff of the
county and lacked only twenty-three votes of carrying the election.
Fred S. Cl.\bk. It is a sterling English family which is repre-
sented by Fred S. Clark in Kosciusko County. For almost half a
century Fred S. Clark has lived in Wai-saw, and in that time has
contributed a large and valuable share of service to the community,
chiefly as a builder and contractor, though also as an earnest and pub-
lie spirited worker for community development.
HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY 561
His father was the late William S. Clark, one of the oldest men
who ever lived in Warsaw. William S. Clark died at his home in
that city in July, 1914, when nearly a hundred and three years of age.
He had come with his wife and seven children from England to Amer-
ica in 1862. William S. Clark was born in County Kent and prior
to coming to this country was a sailor. On reaching America he
located in Ashland County, Ohio, where he bought a farm and en-
gaged in farming, but after the death of his wife in April, 1904, when
she was in her ninetieth year, he moved to "Warsaw and lived in that
city for the last ten years of his life.
Fred S. Clark, one of the children of William S. Clark, was
born in England December 29, 1845. He was in his seventeenth year
when the family immigrated to America. His education was limited,
and he attendecl two winter terms of school after coming to the United
States. For two years as a boy he worked with his father while the.
latter was engaged in operating an oyster boat. After coming to
America he turned his labor to the work of the home farm in Ashland
County, Ohio, for one year, then went to Michigan, and learned the
brick mason trade.
In 1866 Mr. Clark married Mi.ss Lottie Philpott. In the fall after
their marriage they moved to Warsaw and that city has been his home
ever since. He worked at his trade as brick mason for a time, but
gradually began taking contracts for himself, and from that drifted
into the general building business. As a contractor and builder
he has contributed many of the most substantial homes and other
buildings to Kosciusko County during a period of nearly half a cen-
tury. In time his son became identified with him in the business.
Besides their work as contractors they now do a considerable business
in the manufacturing of cement blocks and have large j'ards for the
handling of building materials.
Jlr. Fred S. Clark is a republican in general polities, but has
strong views on the liauor traffic and favors anything which will bring
about the abolition of that business. For four years he served as a
member of the City Council of Warsaw. He is affiliated with the
Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Improved Order of Red
]\Ien. ]Mr. Clark and wife have two children. Clyde, associated with
his father in business, married Myrtle Noggle. Anne is the wife of
Charles Helligas.
Mr. Clark is a Methodist and has for twenty years been trustee of
his home church in Warsaw. Although born in England, he is as loyal
an American as ever breathed, and is a true and consistent believer
in the ultimate as well as the preserit greatness of this nation, and
whatever he can do by act or inflnence he is willing to do for the good
of his community and the country of his adoption.
Edgar Haymond. Much that is interesting in human experience
was the lot of Judge Haymond of Warsaw, and during more than half
a century of residence in that city he accomplished those things which
are considered most worth while by ambitious men — years of honor-
able activity in his profession, with satisfying material reward, the
562 HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY
esteem of his fellow men, and a public spirited share in the social and
civic life of his commuuity. He died October 13, 1917.
While his earlier experiences led him to many parts of the coun-
try, including several years spent on the California gold coast, Judge
HaJ^nond had a perhaps unique record in Kosciusko County for per-
manence of residence. He lived in the county for fifty-sis years, and
all those yeai's his home was in the one house in "Warsaw, and as a
local landmark there is none more familiar to the citizens than the
"Judge Haymond home."
He was a native son of Indiana, and was born at Bi-oolr\-ille,
Franklin County, February 22, 1829. His was an old American
family and in all the generations its vigor and vitality was never
better exemplified than in the case of Judge Haymond. His first
American ancestor was John Haymond, who was born in England,
and came to this country during the colonial era, prior to the year
1734. He located in Maryland, and became a slave-holding planter,
a custom which was probably followed by several generations of his
descendants. William Haymond. a son of the emigrant, was born in
1740. and early in the Revolutionary war Governor Patrick Henry of
Virginia commissioned him a captain in the Virginia troops of the
Continental line. Later, November 12. 1781, he was commissioned a
major by Benjamin Harrison, who had succeeded Captain Henry as
governor of Virginia. Next in this ancestral line comes Thomas Ray-
mond, who was born January 11. 1776, near Clarksburg, in what is
now IMonongahela County of West Virginia, but then a part of
Virginia, and he died in that city in 1853. It is apparent from
this that the family early showed its pioneer instinct and had ven-
tured into the mountainous district of western Virginia prior to the
outbreak of the Revolution. Thomas Haymond was a farmer by occu-
pation. One of his sous was Rufus Ha^^nond, who was born in 1805
and about 1828 moved to Indiana. He was a physician by profession,
and practiced medicine for more than half a century. His death
occurred in 1886. He married Caroline Northrup, who died 1832,
leaving two children, one of whom was Judge Edgar Haymond of
Warsaw. Doctor Ha^nnond by a second marriage had three children.
Judge Edgar Haymond, great-grandson of the first of his family
to come to America, was reared in Franklin County, Indiana. During
his youth the schools were very limited. In fact there were no public
schools in the modern sense of the term, and instruction depended
upon a co-operative effort among different families who kept up a
school on the subscription plan, or in the case of the better to do fam-
ilies the children had the benefit of instruction from a private tutor or
were sent away to some select school. Judge Haymond had perhaps a
little better than the ordinary advantages while he was a boy. He at-
tended school until 1846, and then for a year clerked in a store at the
old Village of America in Wabash County, a place that no longer ex-
ists. Subsequently he served as a deputy county clerk of Franklin
County, and while thus employed, at night, by the light of tallow can-
dle, he read such law books as he could procure. The ambition to be-
come a lawyer never left him, and he subsequently began a more sys-
HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY 563
tematic study imder the direction of George Holland, a lawyer at
Brookville. In August, 1849, when not yet twenty-one years of age, he
passed an examination and was admitted to the bar. The next four
years were spent as a young and rising attorney at Brookville. In 1853
he was unable to resist any longer the lure of the great West, to which
thousands of the best young men in the country were going to share
in the search, for gold and the venturesome life of California. He
went out to that state bj' way of the Isthmus of Panama, and spent
five years there, during which time he had a full share of all the
experiences connected with mining. It was strenuous toil, and he
spent many weary days in handling the pick and shovel, in blasting
great rocks, in diverting the course of streams, and employing every
known expedient to search out the hidden metal.
In 1858 he returned by the same route which he followed when
he went out, and for about a year was in the offices of Robert &
Joseph Brackenridge at Fort Wayne. These lawyers were relatives
of Judge Haymond. In August, 1859, he came to Warsaw to prac-
tice his profession and lived in that city continuously from that year
to his death. In 1859 Warsaw had a population of about fifteen hun-
dred, and the Judicial Circuit in which he practiced was a very large
one, including among other counties the County of Allen, of which
Fort Wayne is the county seat. In the many j'eai"s spent at Warsaw
as a lawyer Judge Haymond was at different times associated in part-
nership with some of the best known members of the bar, and also
carried on an individual practice for a long aggregate time. His
leadersliip in the local bar was long acknowledged and in earlier years
he was almost constantly identified with the more important litigation
on one side or the other.
In 1890 he was elected Circuit Court .iudge. and filled that honor-
able place in public life for six years. Judge Haymond in later years
seldom appeared either for plaintiff or defendant in any of the local
courts, and after many years of successful service was justified in
relieving himself of the heavier cares of affairs. Much of his time
was given to the gentle art of fishing as practiced by Isaak Walton.
He was a republican in politics, and was a stalwart in that ]iarty
practically from the time it w.is tdundcd.
In November, 1859, al)out the time he established his home in
Warsaw, Judge Haymond married Helen ^M. McCarty. Their married
life was measured by about nine years, and she passed away January
4, 1868. She was the mother of four children, and the only one now-
living is Lulu. On June 8, 1869, Judge Haymond married Emma
H. Wing. There are two children by this marriage : Norman E. and
JIabel. The latter is the wife of George M. Stephenson of Warsaw.
JM.vTHEw C. Weavee is one of the enviable men of Kosciusko Coun-
ty to enjoy the pi-osperity of a good farm, comforts of an excellent
rural home, peace and plenty, and a substantial position in community
esteem. His farm is in Washington Township, 2i4 miles northeast
of Pierceton.
Mr. Wciivcr was born in this county, near the Adams House, on
564 HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY
November 11, 1869, sou of Horatio C. and Julia A. (Van Wurmer)
"Weaver. Mr. Weaver's grandparents were George W. Weaver, who
served as a soldier in the War of 1812, and was a pioneer settler of
Kosciusko County where he died in 1858, and ]\Iary A. (Clarke)
Weaver, a native of Virginia and closely related to the family which
produced the great George Rogers Clarke, hero of the campaign which
wrested the Northwest Territory from the control of the British dur-
ing the Revolution.
Horatio C. Weaver was born in Logan County, Ohio, and his wife
was a native of New York State. His wife was a widow when she
married him. Her first husband, Isaac Bennett, died during the
Civil war. Horatio C. Weaver after his marriage settled on a farm
in Washington Township and lived here until his death in 1912. His
widow is still living. Of their two children the only one now living
is Mathew C.
Mathew C. Weaver grew i;p on the home farm, had a district
school education and remained on the old homestead and managed it
for his father until the latter 's death. The land here was entered
from the government in 1836, its first owner being Dan Bratt.
October 16, 1898, Mr. Weaver married Clara A. Zerbe, who was
reared in Whitley Count}', Indiana. After their marriage Mr. and
Mrs. Weaver began housekeeping where they now live. Four childrt-n
were born to them : Ralph, who died in the great war ; Ray, a grad-
uate of the common schools in 1914; Vada G., who graduated from
the common schools in 1918 ; and Lewis H., who is twelve years old.
Mrs. Weaver is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church at
Pierceton, and her two youngest children are also members of that
church. Mr. Weaver is affiliated with the Modern Woodmen of Amer-
ica and in politics is a democrat.
Samuel A. White is one of the old timers of Kosciusko County
and has had his home in this section of Indiana since early infancy,
and for more than three-quarters of a century. The honor and respect
due him aie the results not only of his long residence, good work and
management as a practical farmer, but also to his ei-editable record as a
soldier in the Union Army during the Civil war.
Mr. White, who is now living retired at Pierceton, was bom in
Highland Countj', Ohio, December 12, 1840, son of George A. and
May A. (Yohn) White. His parents were also natives of Highland
County, grew up and married there, and in Februar.y, 1841, when
Samuel was about two months eld. came to Indiana and located in
Kosciusko County in Tippecanoe Township. Here they lived until
advanced years, -when the father moved to Ligonier, Indiana, and died
there. Tlie mother died at the home of her son Samuel in 1896. Of
their large family of seventeen children only four are now living:
Emma, widow of Conrad Fout'e; Milton White, of Noble County,
Indiana; Frances, widow of Frank Wright; and Samuel A.
Ml'. Samuel A. White grew up in Kosciusko County, and had his
education in the district schools here. He was just about turned of
age when in No\ember, 1861, he volunteered and enlisted in Comnany
HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY 565
I of the Fni-t\ -Seventh Indiana Infantry. IIo was with that fonunand
in many battles and eanqjaigns for two years, was discliarged and
tlien veteranized and rejoined the same company and regiment, witli
which he fought loyally and gallantly until mustered out in 1865 at
the elose of the war. Mr. White has always kept in close touch with
his old comrades, and is an honored member of John Muri'ay Post of
the Grand Army at Pierceton.
Mr. White married for his first wife Sarah Smith, and eight of
their children are still living. He married for his present wife Mary
A. Snodgrass, and they have a daughter, Elizabeth White. The fam-
ilj- are members of the Christian Church and Mr. White has been
active for manj' years in Larwell Lodge, Independent Order of Odd
Fellows. He is a republican in politics and during his residence in
Whitley Coiinty served as trustee of Troy Township. Much of his
farming was done in Whitley Township and he still owns a highly
developed place of 302 acres in that locality. He is a stockholder in
the North Webster Bank. Mr. White and familv moved to Pierceton
on .March 1, 1918.
C. Edwin Stout. A very useful part in business affairs in Kosci-
usko County is taken by C. Edwin Stout, whose name will hardly
require introduction to the present generation of county citizens since
he was recently the efficient county clerk and has been active in bank-
ing and other affairs in the county for a number of years.
One of the younger generation of native sons, he was born at
Silver Lake in Kosciusko County, May 19, 1880, a son of Adam and
Sarah (Blue) Stout. His early life was spent in the environment of
the old home in Silver Lake, he attended the local schools there, and
when quite young took up banking and rose to the position of cashier
of the Commercial State Bank of Silver Lake. He resigned that office
in 1908 to begin a term of four years as eount.y clerk. He had been
elected to that office in 1906. In his election to count.v clerk Mr. Stout
broke all records for the democratic party, since he was the only
candidate of that organization who ever succeeded in being elected
to this important county office. His record there was one of thorough
competency and efficiency, and many have said that the affairs of the
office were never in better hands than when Mr. Stout was clerk. In
1912, on retiring from office, Mr. Stout became secretary-treasurer of
the Warsaw Investment Company, one of the important financial con-
cerns of the county, but resigned that position in 1916 to accept the
position of secretary and treasurer of the Elkhart County Trust Com-
pany of Goshen, Indiana, which position he still occupies. He is also
secretary of the Warsaw Chamber of Commerce, and is doing a good
deal to give and maintain vitality in local commercial affairs. Fra-
ternally he is identified with the Benevolent and Protective Order of
Elks, while he and his wife ai-e members of the Presbj'terian Church.
On February 8, 1910, he married ^liss Ethel Dickey. l'lic.\' are tlie
parents of one daughter, Betty.
566 1II8T0RY OP KOSCIUSKO COUNTY
William A. ]\Iabie. It is nearly eighty years since the Mabie
family became identified with Kosciusko County and this section of
Indiana. The earlier generations were real pioneers. They helped
to clear the forests, drain the swamps, break up the virgin soil, and
institute the order of civilization where for centuries had been a
wilderness. There are a number of names in this family which
desei've special mention. To give some consecutive order to this rec-
ord the heads of the several successive generations that have been
identified with Kosciusko County will be mentioned, beginniuG; with
Levi Mabie and continuing with Peter Mabie, Eli !Mabie and finallx-
Dr. W. A. Mabie, who for fully thirty years has practiced his pro-
fession as a veterinary surgeon at Warsaw.
Levi Mabie was born in New York State, probably abont the close
of the Revolutionary war. He moved to Ohio when it was a frontier
and settled in Darke County. His wife was named Sarah. He fol-
lowed some of his children to this section of Indiana in 1837, and
located in Whitley County, building' a cabin half a mile from the
Kosciusko County line. A little later he moved to North Webster and
died there about 1838 or 1839. They were victims partly of the fever
and ague which was then so prevalent a disease in the new country,
and partly of the bungling practice of medicine which at that time
prevailed. Both were stricken with the agiie, and a physician at
Leesburg gave them calomel, and both died within twenty-four hours
after taking the medicine.
Peter ^labie, a son of Levi and Sarah Mabie, was born on Long
Island, New York, in 1807, and after reaching manhood he moved
to Huron County, Ohio, where he married Elizabeth McConkey. They
lived in Ohio until 1836, and then came to Indiana. In 1856 Peter
Mabie sold his farm to his son and moved out to Iowa, where lie
entered land from the Government in Marshall County, but in 1868
he went to Buena Vista County, Iowa, and died there June 20, 1885.
His first wife, who was lioni in Holmes County, Ohio, in 1808, died
October 14. 1851, in Whitley County, Indiana, and was buried at
Web.ster. ' By her marriage there were the following children : Eli ;
Lott who died at Warsaw in 1866 ; Eliza J., who died in Iowa in 1884
as the wife of David Ingraham : Angolia, who married John Conklin
and died in Elkhart County in 1862 ; Esther, who died in Whitley
County in 1853 : and Ellen, who died at the age of ten months.
Peter ilabic married for his second wife Jemima Taylor. The chil-
dren of that nmrriage were : Jemima, who died at the age of nine
years ; Samuel ; and Austin.
Eli Mabie was born in Darke County, Ohio, December 19, 1829,
a son of Peter and Elizabeth (McConkey) Mabie. He was in his
seventh year when he came to Indiana with his parents, who settled
upon the farm owned by A. Goble. It was wild land, and he first
became ac(|uainted with conditions in this section of Indiana when
the family lived in a log cabin. The family subsequently moved to
Troy Township in Whitley County, and again went through the
strenuous life of the pioneers, living in log cabins and clearing up the
HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY 567
forests in order to secure laud for cultivation. Eli Mabie had only
a limited education, but by reading became unusually well informed.
He worked by the month on a farm until April 14, 1852, and he then
married Eliza Ann Beezle.y. She was born in Ohio, January 3, 1836,
a dano-liter of Isaac and Sarepta (McMillan) Beezley, the former born
in Stark County, Ohio, June 13. 1814, and died in 1862, and the
latter born January 27, 1813. After his marriage Eli ilabie with
his brother Lott bought their father's farm, and after several years
of hard work in clearing and planting in the northwest corner of
Whitley County they sold and" in 1863 bought a place of about
100 acres in section 21 of Tippecanoe Township in Kosciusko
County. He worked hard here and eventually accumulated a large
amount of land and other property. He was a member of the Baptist
Church for over half a century and a great student of the Bible. He
was a stanch republican, and served in the offices of school director
and road supervisor. Most of his life was spent on his farm in Tippe-
canoe Township, and he died there May 17, 1910. while his wife
passed away February 7, 1905. During the war Eli Mabie was a
warm supporter of Lincoln's administration. A crippled hand pre-
vented his entering the army, but he did all in his power to assist
the cause at home and very frequently pulled the copperhead cent
and butternut breast pin from the coats of rebel sympathizers. Eli
Mabie and wife had tive children, one of whom died in infancy. Those
who were reai-ed to matui'ity were : John B., William A., Rose and
Jessie O.
Dr. William A. :\Iabie. of Warsaw, a son of Eli Mabie, was born
on the Tippecanoe Township farm in this county May 16, 1857. He
was reared after the manner of farmer boys in' that" time and place
and his early schooling was obtained in the public and subscription
schools. From boyhood he manifested an uinisual fondness for and
knowledge of live stock. This naturally made him very proficient
in handling live stock as a farmer, and he was one of the" substantial
agriculturists of the county foi' a number of years. During 1889-90
and 1890-91 he attended the Chicago Veterinary College, where he
combined scientific knowledge with his practical "skill and experience,
and was graduated with the degree D. V. S. in a class of eightv-seven!
Smce then for many years he has practiced his profession in Kosci-
usko County, and is the leading representative of that profession and
has all the business he can attend to.
In politics he is a republican, and has been a member of the War-
saw Board of Health four years. He also served in the City Council
four years. In an official capacity he is best known through h's for-
mer service as sheriff of Kosciusko County, to which he was elected
in 1914. He served two years.
On December 3, 1876, "Doctor Mabie married Catherine M. Secrist.
They are the parents of three children: Bert 0., Thomas A. and
Blanche E. Jlrs. ^Mabie is a daughter of Jacob and Margaret (Long)
Secrist, and her father died when :\Irs. :\Iabie was two rears of age.
Doctor Mabie is affiliated with the Masonic Order, and he and his
wife are members of the :\retliodist Ejiiscopal Church.
568 HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY
Godfrey Jacob Smith. One of the fine farms that lend distinc-
tion and dignity to Kosciusko County is that of Godfrey Jacob Smith
in Wayne, Washington and Monroe Townships. His home is in Wayne
Township, seven miles southeast of Warsaw. Mr. Smith has been a
farmer all his life and he knows the business as only one can know
it through years of practical experience and common sense applica-
tion of his energies to the task at hand.
He was born in Washington Township of this county June 22,
1857, son of John Sleeper and Rose Ann (Keith) Smith.
His father, the late John Sleeper Smith, was horn near Hagers-
town, Maryland, in 1806, of German ancestry. When nine years old
the family moved to Bedford County, Pennsylvania, where he grew
up on a farm. At the age of eighteen he started out to make his own
way in the world and in Bedford County on March 9, 1830, he mar-
ried Rose Ann Keith. Her brother, Lewis Keith, was the original
owner of the land in Kosciusko County on which Pierceton is located.
In 1838 John S. Smith and wife, with some of their children and
with several other people in the party, started west from Pennsylvania
for Kosciusko County. They traveled partly on foot and partly by
wagon, and after crossing the Ohio State line they had to cut their
road and construct bridges across streams. On reaching Washington
Township John S. Smith entered eighty acres of Government fand
and after clearing a spot in the midst of the woods erected his first
log cabin home, in which the family first sheltered themselves on
Christmas Day of 1838. Both he and his brother-in-law, Lewis Keith,
had much to do with the pioneer activities of the present town of
Pierceton. John S. Smith cleared up and improved his land, and
was one of the substantial citizens of Kosciusko County until his
death on October 14, 1869. He was a Presbyterian and one of the
first members of the church of that denomination at Pierceton. His
widow survived him until 1890. They were the parents of eleven
children, but only two are now living, Daniel J., of Iowa, and God-
frey J.
Godfrey J. Smith grew up in Kosciusko County, and was liberally
educated, partly in the district schools and also in normal institutes
at Pierceton and Warsaw. For fourteen years he was one of the
liberal and progressive minded men engaged in educational affairs in
the county.
November 10, 1881, Mr. Smith married Miss Lavina Stotes, who
was reared on a farm in Washington Township, daughter of David
and Barbara Stotes. Her parents were charter members of the Pres-
byterian Church at Pierceton. ilrs. Smith was a small child when
her mother died.
Mr. Smith has been on his present farm since 1887 and has over
two hundred acres, which furnishes ample grounds on which to carry
forward his activities as a general farmer and stock breeder and
dealer. He specializes in Duroc Jersey hogs and every year buys a
number of cattle in Chicago markets and finishes them off for the
packers. Mr. Smith is also vice president and one of the directors
HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY 569
of the Bank of Sidney in Jackson Township. The family are mem-
bers of the United Brethren ehurch and Mr. Smith is a "past gi'and
of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. In politics he*" is a
democrat.
He and his wife have two children, Ethel and Rnlo W. Ethel is
a graduate of the common schools and is the wife of Homer T. Menzie
of Washington Township. Mr. and Mrs. Menzie have three children,
Lueile, Audrey and Jacob. The son Rulo has perhaps an unique record
in scholarship. He graduated at the age of thirteen from the common
schools with the highest grade in his classes and at seventeen finished
the work of the Pierceton High School, also with the highest honors
of scholarship. From there he entered th.e Tri-State Normal College
at Angola, and graduated also with a splendid record in all his studies.
He has a state license as a teacher and the general average of his
examinations was ninety-eight per cent.
Hon. James S. Feazer. For fully seventy years the name Frazer
has been one of prominence in association with the Kosciusko County
bar. Not only in his home county but in the state and nation was
the late James S. Frazer distinguished. He was a splendid lawyer,
was a great .iudge, and had diplomatic and administrative ability
which brought him some delicate responsibilities in connection with
the national government.
His death occurred at his home in Warsaw. James S. Frazer was
born July 17, 1824, in Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania. His grand-
father came to America from Scotland as a British soldier at the
beginning of the Revolutionary war, but soon left the British service
and became an outright American citizen. Judge Frazer 's parents
were James and Martha Frazer, substantial farming people, who did
all they could to provide their ambitious and studious son with oppor-
tunities such as he craved in the way of education and learning
The mother died when Judge Frazer was quite young and in 1837
James Frazer. Sr., moved to Wayne County, Indiana, and there Judge
Frazer grew to manhood.
In 1840 he entered the office of Moorman Wav at Winchester
Indiana, to take up the study of law. He also taught school part of
each year to defray expenses, and was finally admitted to the bar
in Wayne County in March, 1845. In the following April he opened
his office in Warsaw. That was a little more than seventy years ago
Judge Frazer was a Warsaw citizen the rest of his life, though dut'e.s
called him to the state capital and to the national capital and else-
where. There has been a Frazer on the member.ship roll of the county
bar ever since.
The late Judge Frazer was first a whig, but helped to organize
the republican party in his section of Indiana, and it is said that
from 1846 throughout the rest of his career he was a participant in
practically every campaign. During 1847. 1848 and 1854 he served
in the House of Representatives of the State Legislature He was
elected prosecuting attorney in 1851. In 1862, during the war he
570 HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY
was appointed assessor of internal revenues. He reached the culmina-
tion of his service as a lawyer when he sat as a member of the Indiana
Supreme Court from 1865 to 1871. On :\Iay, 1871, a treaty was
entered into with Great Britain providing for the appointment of a
commission of three to settle and adjudicate the various claims arising
out of the Civil war. Under the terms of this treaty President Grant
selected Judge Frazer of Warsaw as the American commissioner, the
English commissioner was Russell Gurney, while the neutral member
of the commission was appointed by the Italian Government. During
1873-75 Judge Frazer was connected with the treasury department at
Washington and assisted in adjusting many claims for cotton captured
or destroyed by the Government during the war. He was also ap-
pointed by the Indiana Supreme Court as one of the three commis-
sioners to revise and codify the laws of the state according to the
act of ilarch 28, 1879. Judge Frazer impressed his ability upon the
affairs of Indiana and the nation in many ways. His influence as a
judge, lawyer, diplomat and public leader were written on many
pages. He was one of the charter members of Kosciusko Lodgn Xo.
62, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, which was organized at Wai-
saw, Februarv 7, 1849. He was reared a Presbyterian, thoiigh hi-
was not an active communicant of that church. His last important
otHce came to him in 1889, when Governor Hovey appointed him judge
of the Kosciusko Cii'cuit Court, and he remained on the Circuit Bench
for one year.
Judge Frazer maiTied October 28, 1848, at Goshen, Indiana, Caro-
line ^I. Defrees, a daughter of James Defrees, and a member of the
very prominent family of Defrees in Goshen, members of which have
made their mark in the public service, in the law and in other lines.
Judge Frazer and wife became the parents of six children.
William D. Fra/^er. The oldest son of the late Judge James S.
Frazer is William D. Frazer, who for forty ^-ears has been one of
the leading lawyers of the Kosciusko County bar and has done much
to maintain the high prestige of the name established by Judge Frazer.
Born in Warsaw, Xovember 26, 1849. William D. Frazer grew up
in that then small town, acquired his primary ediication there, and
attended college at Wabash College in Crawfordsville, of which insti-
tution he is an alumnus. He read law under the direction of his
father and later for many years the two were associated in practice.
While Mr. Frazer has not been called to the distinguished posi-
tions which his father filled, and has liad little ambition for the mere
honors of polities, he has given srevice of great capability in various
ways. In 1881 and in 1S83 he was elected a member of the Lower
House of the State Legislature on the republican ticket. In 1898 and
in 1900 lie was chairman of the Kosciu.sko County Republican Central
Committee. In ^March, 1899, he was appointed a national bank exam-
iner, and for several years filled that position.
However, first and la.st, the practice of law has been his cliief
vocation and the object of his highest ambition. In many ways he
HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY 571
has been identified with the growth and welfare of liis liunie city. Ills
name is fonnd associated with a number of enterprises that have
brought good to both Warsaw and Kosciusko County. He was one
of the organizers of tlie present Chamber of Commerce at Warsaw,
which organization more than any other has brought about an awak-
ening in the city to modern progress. From the beginning he has
served as president and as one of the directors of this body. For
years he was president of the Warsaw Gas Light & Coke Company,
and is now the president and genei-al manager of the Winona Inter-
urban Railway Company, is vice president of tlio Indiana Tjoan (t
Trust Company, also president of the Winona Electric Light & Water
Company, and in many less conspicuous ways has found opportunity
for an exhibition of good citizenship and public spirit.
Fraternally he is identified with the Knights of Pythias and the
Independent Order of Odd Fellows. On September* 5, 1876, Mr.
Frazer married Miss Flora C. Ristine of Crawfordsville, Indiana.
They are the parents of two sons : James R. and Theodore C.
Joseph Scott. Now that our nation is again at war there is a
more general appi-eciation on the part of the present generation of
the struggles and sacrifices made by the boys in blue of the '60s who
preserved and perpetuated the union of states. One of the honored
soldiers of that conflict between the North and the South was Joseph
Scott, for more than half a century a well known farmer and active
citizen of Kosciusko Count}". 'Sir. Scott spent the last years of his
life retired from the heavier duties of his earlier years on his farm
in section 36 of Wayne Township, on route No. 6 out of Warsaw. The
farm is six miles southeast of Warsaw.
He was born in Stark County, Ohio, sixteen miles east of the City
of Canton, May 29, 1842, son of Caleb and Mary (Ivens) Scott. His
parents were both natives of New Jersey, his father of English ances-
try. Caleb Scott brought hi.s family to Kosciusko County in the
summer of 1850, covering the entire distance from Stark County, Ohio,
by team and wagon. He located in Wayne Township about five miles
southeast of Warsaw, and died there in September, 1867, survived
by his widow several years. Caleb Scott married for his first wife
Rebecca Garwood, and thej- moved from New Jersey to Stark County,
Ohio, and she died on the farm there. Rebecca Garwood Scott was
the mother of two daughters, one of whom died young and the other,
Sarah, was twice man-ied and is now deceased. Caleb Scott had
bought land in Kosciusko County prior to his removal here in 1850.
He was a member of the Bible Christian Church, was a whig and
went from that party into the ranks of the republicans. By his mar-
riage to Mary Ivens he had thirteen children. Six of the sons were
Civil war soldiers, named Caleb S., Isaac and Samuel, who were in
Company B of the Thirtieth Indiana Infantry, William, a member of
Company I of the Twelfth Indiana Infantry, Joshua F. in Company
H of the Seventy-Fourth Indiana, while Joseph was in Company F of
the Forty-Sixth Indiana.
572 HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY
It was on October 21, 1861, that Joseph Scott enlisted in Company
F of the Forty-Sixth Indiana Infantry. He saw service practically
throughont the period of the war until the fall of 1865, and though
constantly exposed to danger was never wounded. He was present
in some of the notable campaigns and battles of the war, including
New Madrid, a number of the battles and campaigns along the Miss-
issippi, including Fort Pemberton, one of the approaches to Pitts-
burg, Champion Hills, the siege of Vicksburg, Jackson, Port Gibson,
Manstield and others. He was taken prisoner at Champion Hills but
was immediately paroled, re-entered the army and was four j-ears in
service with the exception of about three months.
After the war Mr. Scott returned to his old home in "Wayne Town-
ship and engaged in farming. On July 3, 1867, he married Miss
Martha J. Mickey, who was born in Wood County, Ohio, June 26,
1847, daughter of Isaac and Mary (Bryan) Mickey, of a family of
early settlers in Kosciusko County. Her father, Isaac ilickev, was
born in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, March 7, 1819. and
died June 30, 1884. His parents were Isaac and Susana (Brinley)
Mickey. Prior to 1734 six brothers named Mickey emigrated from
Ireland to the Ignited States, locating in Westmoreland Conntv, Penn-
.sylvania. Isaac Mickey, grandfather of Mrs. Scott, married for his
first wife Elizabeth Metcalf, and they had three sons: John R., born
January 9, 1812, died October 3, 1849: Robert R., born Aua'ust 22,
1814. and died December 8, 1849 ; and Henry H., born April 13, 1816.
Elizabeth Metcalf Mickey died in Pennsvlvania June 24, 1816. Isaac
Mickey then married for his second wife Susana Brinlev, and their
family consisted of five sons and three daughters, named Isaac, Joseph,
Margaret, Daniel, Hiram, Mary, Lucinda and Harmon. Isaac iMiekey
moved with his family to Indiana and located in the southwest corner
of Franklin Township in 1846, and on October 3, 1849. both he and
his wife died and were buried in the same grave in Nichols cemetery.
Isaac Mickey, father of Mrs. Scott, grew to manhood in Ohio and
married Mary Bryan. In 1851 he moved to Kosciusko County, locat-
ing near Silver Lake in Lake Township. That locality remained his
home until 1864, and in the following year he settled in Wayne Town-
.ship, where he spent his last years. Of the seven children of the
Mickey family three are still living: Martha J.; Mary A., wife of
S. C. Funk, of Warsaw ; and Hiram G., of Pierceton, Ind'ana.
Mrs. Scott was reared in Kosciusko Coiinty and lived at Silver
Lake until 1865. After completing her work in the common schools
she taught in this county live terms. After their marriage Mr. and
Mrs. Scott located in Harrison Township and lived on a farm near
Atwood for seven years. Selling out that place, he came to the pres-
ent home in 1874 and in this locality they prospered and performed
their duties to home, family and community and well earned the
wealth of esteem and afifection which was showered upon them when
on July 3, 1917, they celebrated their fiftieth or golden wedding anni-
versary in the pi-esence of a host of children, grandchildren and great-
grandchildren and loyal friends.
HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY 573
Mr. and Mrs. Scott had the following children: Cora A., widow
of William H. Funk; Mary C, wife of Irvin Sheely, of Montana;
Musetta B., wife of William F. Hetzler, of New Mexico; Walter S.,
who married IMattie Bogg and lives in Monroe Township ; Blden D.,
who married Elizabeth Rock and lives at Lake Charles, Louisiana ;
Freddie, who died in childhood ; Vernice 0., wife of Sherman Fike
of Wayne Township ; and Joseph R., who married Gusta M. Harley
and lives on the old homestead farm. Mr. and Mrs. Scott have eighteen
grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Mrs. Scott is a devout member of the United Brethren Church.
Mr. Scott was long affiliated with Kosciusko Post No. 14 of the Grand
Army of the Republic, and Mrs. Scott is a member of the Woman's
Relief Corps. In politics he simply voted the republican ticket with-
out seeking any of the honors of office. Mr. Scott died July 3, 1918.
Andrew Jackson Log.\n. Now giving all his time to his duties
as county treasurer of Kosciusko County, with home at Warsaw, Mr.
Logan has had a long and successful career both in teaching and as
a farmer in this county. His family has been identified with Kosci-
usko County since pioneer times and fully three generations have
done their part and contributed their lives in whole or in part to
the improvement of material and social conditions in this locality.
Mr. Logan's record as an official has been characterized by such
efficient performance and obliging courtesy to all who use his office
that he is one of the most popular men in the courthouse at Warsaw.
He is probably the only one of the present set of county officials
to claim a log cabin as his birthplace. It was in such a home, then
the prevailing type of residence in this section of Indiana, that he
was born on a farm in Washington Township of Kosciusko County,
June 10, 1856. Out of a family of eleven children he is one of the
four survivors. Their parents, Thomas W. and Chloe (Marquis)
Logan, were natives of Penn.sylvania and Ohio respectively. Thomas
W. Logan was a carpenter by trade, and part of his skill was required
in the early days in makiiig coffins when some member of the com-
munity passed away. He had migrated to Kosciusko County during
the decade of the '40s and he found here a wild and practically
untamed wilderness, and his own industry and good citizenship were
not unimportant factors in the progress of the community where he
lived so long. Both he and his wife died in Kosciusko County. They
were members of the Presbyterian Church and were charter members
of the church of that denomination at Warsaw. His father is remem-
bered for his strictly temperate character, and though he lived in a
time when such habits weie more practiced than at present he never
used either tobacco or liquor. He reared his children to the same
wholesome principles and ideals.
Though the present county treasurer was named for one of the
greatest leaders of the early democracy in America, he has belied his
name to the extent that he is ;i republican. As a boy he lived on
the home fann, attended the district schools and the public schools
574 HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY
at Warsaw, and when only nineteen was qualified with a certificate
as a teacher and began a work for which lie is hest remembered among-
a large number of people. For seventeen terms he taught in different
districts, all in Kosciusko County, and combined that profession with
his work as a farmer. He continued farming until called awa\- from
the country to assume his present office as treasurer of the county,
to which he was elected in 191-1:. Pie still owns the beautiful and
highly improved farm of 217 acres in Washington Township. He
has long been a member of the Patrons of Husbandry in this county.
On March 22, 1881, :\Ir. Logan married ^Miss Elizabeth Dunham.
They have one son. Ward T.
John C. Meredith is a native of Franklin Township, has lived
there nearly all his life, and has accumulated many interests and
associations to identify himself prominently with that community.
Mr. Meredith's business town is Akron in Fulton County, and he
divides his time between the management of his large stock farm in
Franklin Township and his varied interests in Akron, Mr. Meredith
is one of the leading stock buyers of this section of Indiana. His
large and valuable farm is a half mile east and seven miles south
of Mentone.
He was born in Franklin Township, September 20, 1852, a sou of
Simon C. and ^lary A. (Middleton) Meredith. His father was a
native of Pennsylvania and his mother of New Jersey. The respec-
tive families moved to ilahoniug Coi;nty, Ohio, where Simon ilere-
dith and his wife grew up and married. In the spring of 1852 they
arrived in the southwestern part of Kosciusko County, bought a tract
of land that was completely covered with woods, and made their first
home in a log cabin. Simon ^Meredith was a very industrious and
capable farmer, cleared away the woods and made room for his crops,
and lived there in comfort and growing prosperity the rest of his
life. He and his wife were both birthright Quakers and were always
faithful to that religion. In politics he was a repiiblican. Simon
Meredith had ten children by his first wife and three by his second
marriage.
John C. Meredith grew to manhood in Franklin Townsliip,
attended the district schools there, and since the age of fourteen has
been making his own way in the world. He worked out at day wages,
also by the month, and was willing to take any employment that
oifei'ed an opportunity to earn an honest living. He established a
reputation for faithful performance and good honest work, and that
reputation was his chief asset when he married and started to make
a home of his own.
October 12, 1873, he married Miss ilary Burkett, a native of
Franklin Township, where she wa.s born December 20, 1849. :\lr. and
Mrs. Meredith had about five hundred dollars when they married and
they used it to buy some equipment and located on a rented farm.
The land was for the most part in the woods, and ISIr. ileredith cleared
up a number of acres and got his real start by clearing land. Later
HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY 575
he bought stock and has been a stock dealer for thirty-five years. The
Meredith farm comprises 300 acres, and in the past Mr. Meredith has
owned much other land in this and adjoining counties.
Six children were born to their marriage, and the four now living
are : Frank, of Deming, New Mexico ; Elmore E., a farmer in Frank-
lin Township ; Zora, wife of Ora I\IcFarland of Franklin Township ;
and Martha, who is a graduate of the common schools and the wife
of Alvin Clinker of Fulton County.
Mrs. Meredith is a member of the Beaver Dam United Brethren
Church. Mr. Meredith has long been an interested participant in
local politics and is one of the republican leaders in the southwest
quarter of Kosciusko County. A number of years ago when the Leg-
islature passed a law establishing county councils to maintain general
supervision over the finances of the county, Mr. Meredith was selected
as a member of the first council and served continuously in that
capacity for fourteen years. He is a member of the County Central
Committee from Franklin Township and a member of the Township
Advisory Board.
Of his interests at Akron Mr. ]\Ieredith is a director in the Akron
State Bank, a .stockholder in the Grist Mill and Lumber Company,
and also owns a large barn used in connection with his stock buying
and stock feeding enterprise. The Akron State Bank has as its
officers : V. J. Lidecker, president ; J. J. King, vice president ; John
McCullough, cashier; and John C. Meredith, Merl Whittenberger, E.
0. Strong and Wade Arnold, directors.
David J. Utteb. Some of the best farms and some of the most
capable farmers of Kosciusko County are found in Franklin Town-
ship. One of them is David J. Utter, who has spent all his life on the
farm where he was born and has given a good account of his ener-
gies and his time in the capable manner in which he has conducted
his affairs. He gives nuich attention to stock raising, and conducts
one of the well ordered and profitable places in the southwestern
corner of the county.
Mr. Utter was bom November 15, 1854, son of Edwin A. and
Elizabeth (Bj-ers) Utter. His father was a native of Fayette County,
Indiana, but was reared and married in Johnson County and from
there came in October, 1851,. and located on the tract of land in
Franklin Township which with its many improvements is now the
home of his son David. The farm today bears little resemblance to
the tract of wild land which Edwin Utter acquired. He first intro-
duced his family to a log cabin home. He lived there many years
but in 1882 went to Akron, Indiana, later lived with his son David,
but his death occurred in Fulton County. He was a man of unim-
peachable integrity and it was said that his word was as good as his
note. He served as supervisor of the township and as school director,
and was a republican in his political proclivities. He constituted an
exception to his family in the matter of politics. He had seven broth-
Vol. 11—13
576 HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY
ers and two half-brothers, and all of them were democrats. Edwin
Utter and wife had ten children, and those living today are : Miltnu
H., of Claypool; David J.; Jacob B., of Fulton County; Luella, wife
of Irvin Friend.
David J. Utter had his earliest recollections in the same environ
meut where he is today busily engaged with farming. While a bov
he attended the schools in winter sessions, and worked with his father
in the summer. On March 23, 1882, he married Miss Eliza Landis,
who was born in Fulton County.
After their marriage I\Ir. Utter and his oldest brother bought the
160 acres of the old homestead and conducted it in partnership for
twenty years. He then bought his brother's interest and is now sole
owner and proprietor. He breeds good grades of live stocif, and his
principal annual income comes from stock raised and fed on the
farm.
Mr. and Mrs. Utter have six children : Cora is the wife of John
Eber of Fulton County; Clarence is a farmer in Franklin Town-
ship : Frank married Ida Beeler, of Fulton County, and is now with
the National Army at Camp Custer; Tressie is the wife of Henry
D. Smith and they live on the home farm of ilr. Utter ; Arthur mar-
ried Bertha Baker, of Fulton County ; James married Fern Gall and
lives in Fulton County. Mr, Utter and family are members of the
United Brethren Church at Beaver Dam. He is a republican and has
served as supervisor.
George W. Groves, representing some of the oldest names in
Kosciusko County history, is one of the prominent farmers and land
owners of Wayne Township. His farm is known as Grovesland Farm,
located four miles northeast of Warsaw. He has lived here nearly
all his life and since acciuiring the old homestead has developed it to
the purposes of general farming and stock raising. It comprises 240
acres.
Mr. Groves was born on the farm where he resides, a son of Daniel
and Amanda (Lightfoot) Groves. His father was born in Jackson,
Ohio, in 1812. and his mother in Springfield, Ohio, September 2, 1815.
The Groves family arrived in Kosciusko County about 1837, a year
after the county was organized. They entered land in Wa3^le Town-
ship. The Lightfoots were also early arrivals, and Christopher Light-
foot, maternal grandfather of George W. Groves, was a surveyor b.y
profession and laid out the Village of Leesburg. Daniel Groves and
wife were married at Leesburg, and they then lived in that town for
a time and from there moved to the farm owned by their son George.
They were very liberal and active members of the Methodist Episcopal
Church, and attended worship at Warsaw and at Morris Chapel.
Daniel Groves was a leading republican of his day and a man who
always kept himself well posted on current affairs. He died in 1875
and his widow passed away in 1895. They had four children : ]\Iary
E., wife of H. H. Conrad, of Anderson, Indiana; Catherine L., de-
ceased, was the wife of Garrett W. Brown ; W. A. Groves, who mar-
ried Mary Selser, of Fayette County, Ohio; and George W
HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY 577
George W. Groves grew up on the old farm, and was educated in
the country schools and the high school at Warsaw. He has always
lived at home and looked after his parents during their lives and since
then has been busily engaged in farming the old place. He is one
of the prominent and sustaining members of the Methodist Episcopal
Church at Warsaw, and has served the church as trustee. He is
affiliated with Warsaw Lodge No. 46, Knights of Pythias, the Im-
proved Order of Red Men, and is a member of the Horse Thief Detec-
tive Association of the county. Politically he is a republican.
Joseph S. Metzger. The Metzgers are one of the oldest and most
substantial families in the eastern part of Lake Township. They
cleared much of that region from the wilderness, and as extensive
land owners, farmers and citizens have used their resources to the gen-
eral good and advancement of the community. One of the character-
istics of the topography of that township is iletzger Ditch, which
drains and has served to reclaim many valuable acres, and the Metzgers
as a family bore a large share of the assessments required for the con-
struction of this drainage outlet.
Mr. Joseph S. Metzger is one of the most successful members of
this family. He has a large farm four miles east of Silver Lake, and
in this community he was born August 24, 1865, son of Joseph and
Elizabeth (Studabaker) Metzger. His parents were both natives of
Ohio, were married there and were early day comers to Kosciusko
County. The country was then all in woods and swamps, and Joseph
Metzger, Sr., had to clear out a space before he could erect his log
cabin home. He was industrious, a man of exceptional judgment, and
his prosperity was measured by the ownership of about a thousand
acres of land. He was also one of the early leaders in the German
Baptist Church. His large family consisted of six sons and six
daughters, and those still living are Abe, Phoebe, Rebecca, Lydia,
Isaac, Joseph S. and John S.
Joseph S. Metzger grew up on the home farm, was educated in
the district schools, and carried an increasing burden of responsibil-
ities on the home place until he was twenty-four.
February 27, 1890, he married Sarah G. Garber. They have three
daughters : Alma, wife of Mark Miller ; Elva, wife of Roy Cline ; and
Dorothea, unmarried. The two married daughters are both gradu-
ates of the common schools. The family are members of the Brethren
Church at West Eel River. Mr. Metzger votes as a democrat. His
farm comprises 342 acres, all in Lake Township, in sections 1 and 2,
arid it is one of the important units in the volume of production of
grain and live stock by which Kosciusko County makes its showing in
agricultural statistics of Indiana.
Hon. Francis E. Bowser. With thirty years of continuous mem-
bership in the Kosciusko County Bar, Judge Bowser has won all
the better distinctions and successes of the able lawyer, and to his
present office as judge of the Fifty-Fourth Judicial Circuit he brought
578 HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY
all the experience, technical and temperamental qualifications which
insure the impartial and thorough administration of justice.
A son of William H. Bowser, a prominent Kosciusko County citi-
zen and old timer. Judge Francis E. was born in Kosciusko County,
February 1, 1861. On the old homestead farm he spent his youth
in the usual manner of country boys, attending local school and work-
ing as strength permitted. When he \yas about sixteen his parents
moved into Warsaw, and in 1881 he graduated from the Warsaw High
School. Then for two years he was a student in the University of
Indiana at Bloomington, and also studied law with W. S. Marshall at
Warsaw. His law studies covered altogether a period of about five
years, and he was admitted to the bar in 1885. In the meantime he
had also taught school, and taught his last term after his admission
to practice.
Judge Bowser became an active member of the Warsaw bar in
the fall of 1885 as a partner of A. G. Wood. This relationship was
continued altogether for about twenty-three years, and there are few
partnerships that endured longer and more successfully in the annals
of the Kosciusko County Bar. In 1908 Francis E. Bowser was elected
judge of the Fifty-fourth Indiana Judicial Circuit, and in 1914 he
was re-€lected for another term of six years. As a judge he has
the confidence of both the bar and the general public, and he is
regarded as one of the most competent men who have ever sat on
the Circuit Court Bench in this district.
In politics Judge Bowser is a democrat. Fraternally he is a
Knight Templar Mason and a Knight of Pythias. On June 20, 1894, he
married I\Iiss Regina Bitner. Her father, Daniel S. Bitner, was a
well known citizen of Kosciusko County, and Mrs. Bowser is a grand-
daughter of George Moon, one of the early pioneers of this county.
Judge Bowser and wife have two sons: Francis K. and George M.
Francis K. is now a first lieutenant and adjutant with the Five
Hundred and Thirty-ninth Engineers in France. George M. is in
high school.
Ben.j.vmin F. Richardsox. a great many people recognize in
Benjamin F. Richardson the strongest individual force for general
civic improvement and development in the City of Warsaw. In
fact it would not be too much to credit him with Warsaw's present
condition of prosperity. Mr. Richardson is a man who came up
through struggle and adversity to a position as one of the foremost
merchants in Northern Indiana, and the ability which enabled him
to win business success also gained for him the confidence of his fel-
low citizens, who as frequently as he would consent has sought his
leadership in public affairs. Mr. Richardson has been a resident of
Kosciusko County for the past thirty-five years.
His birth occurred on a farm in ilonroe County, Michigan, in
Ida Township, August 9, 1851. The family were early settlers in
Southern ]\Iichigan, and originated in England, where his paternal
grandfather, Joseph Richardson, was born. He became a weaver
HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY 579
by trade and reached the foremanship in shops at Halifax, York-
shire. As a young man he had also served with the British Army, and
while stationed in Ireland wooed and won his bride. In 1848, with
his wife and three married children, he came to America, settling in
Jlonroe County, where he turned his attention to farming. There
he and his wife spent the rest of their days. James Richardson,
father of the Warsaw citizen and merchant, was born, reared and
educated in England, and married there Mary Bradley. They were
both quite young when they came with other members of the family
to the United States in 1848. James Richardson in a few years
had become a prominent factor in the life and affairs of Monroe
County, Michigan. While living in England he had served a seven
years' apprenticeship at the carpenter's trade in Manchester, but after
coming to America farming was his principal work. He was a man of
high general intelligence and sound practical sense, and these qual-
ities led to his election as a member of the Michigan State Legislature.
He was a loyal and patriotic citizen and during the Civil war one of
his sons, Bradley Richardson, served as a private in the Federal army,
became corporal of his company, and was severely wounded on the
battlefield of Bull Run. When James Richard.son died at his old
home in Monroe County his passing was the occasion for many sincere
tributes to his honorable and self-respecting career.
It was on the old home farm in Michigan that Benjamin F. Rich-
ardson had his youthful training and experience. A great deal of
hard work was his portion in those days, and it was a steadfast ambi-
tion to amount to something in the world that enabled him to make
better use of his limited advantages than would otherwise have been
true. He attended the neighboring schools, taught in a log cabin, and
early made np his mind to get into a broader field of activities than
was bounded by the horizon of the farm on which he was reared.
Before reaching his majority he left home and started the battle of
life for himself by clerking in a feed store and driving a dray in
Toledo, Ohio. Toledo was the training ground for his busine.ss career.
He worked as clerk in a grocery store, and with experience in that
occupation and with a capital, very slowly and gradually realized,
he finally was able to embark in the grocery trade for himself.
It was in 1883 that IMr. Richardson came to Warsaw, Indiana,
and still with very limited capital established a retail dry goods busi-
ness. He encountered many adversities, but determination to suc-
ceed coupled with hard work finally had its just rewards, and he is now
undoubtedly one of the foremost merchants of the city. While he
has had a man's work in looking after his own store and enterprise,
public spirit has been one of the dominating qualities of his char-
acter. For years he has advocated a better and greater Warsaw. It
was largely his views and vigorous opinions on municipal affairs that
led to his election to the City Council. While a member of that body,
and under his energetic and shrewd leadership, the city acquired
those substantial municipal improvements represented by sewerage,
sidewalks, waterworks and other facilities. In 1901 he was elected
580 HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY
mayor of the city to fill out an unexpired term, and this was followed
by a full term, at the end of which it was his hope and expectation
to retire from public affairs. However, in 1912, the citizens of
Warsaw again required the leadership of such a man as Mr. Rich-
ardson, and he again consented reluctantly to acceptance of the office.
He has been a wise and painstaking, capable and thoroughly able
public official. In fraternal affaii-s he is a Knight Templar and
thirty-second degree Scottish Rite Mason, and while a member of no
religious organization has been an active supporter of religious work
and charity.
In 1887 Mr. Richardson married Miss Julia E. Moran, of Toledo.
Their two children are both deceased.
Jacob B. Nepp is one of the best known residents of Kosciusko
and Elkhart Counties. He is a man who has made his success in
life by a tremendous exertion of energy and natural ability. When
"lie married he had little or no property, but at the present time is
owner of one of the best farms in Van Buren Township of this county,
is also president of the Farmers State Bank of Milford, and is in a
position to influence much of the business and community life.
Mr. Neff was born on a farm in Elkhart County, Indiana, Decem-
ber 29, 1859, son of Daniel and Lydia (Brown)" Neff. His father
was a native of Virginia and his mother was born near Toronto,
Canada. Their respective families settled in Elkliart County in pio-
neer times, and Daniel Xeff and wife were married there and be-
came farmers in Jackson Township, where thej^ spent the rest of
their years. Daniel Neff was a man of more than ordinary local
prominence, was known for his upright and honest character, and
for a number of years was a minister in the Church of the Brethren.
He and his wife had ten children: William B., now living in
Michigan ; James, who died in Kosciusko County ; Jacob B. ; Lydia,
widow of Jacob R. Symensma. living in Elkhart County: Daniel, of
Milford ; Henry, of Elkhart County ; Jesse and Omar F., both of
Milford; Frances M., of Van Buren Township; and Susie, wife of
Chai'les Snyder, living in Jackson Township of Elkhart County.
Jacob B. Neff taught school for eight years continuoi^sly before
his marriage. At the age of twenty-eight he married Chloe Dubbs.
She was born in Elkhart County. ' After their marriage Mr. and
Mrs. Neff moved to a fann southeast of ]\Iilford, and resided there
for seventeen years. Since then they have made their home in ^lil-
ford, but Mr. Neff still owns a fine estate of 270 acres. He was one
of the organizers and charter members of the Farmers State Bank
of Milford, which was established in 1915. He has been its president
from the beginning, and is associated with some of the best known
citizens in this part of the state on the board of directors. Mr. Neff
is also president of the Royal Telephone Company. He is a demo-
crat in politics, has taken quite an active part in local affaire, and
is one of the deacons of the Church of the Brethren at Milford. He
was nominated for the office of Trustee of Van Buren Township
in 1918 by the democrats of the township.
HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY 581
He and his wife have two living children: Gladys is a graduate
of the Milford High School and of Goshen College, and is now the
wife of Lawrence Dewart, and they live in Van Buren Township.
Bertha M. is a graduate of the Milford High School, tinished a music
course in the North Manchester College, and was also a student in
the American Conservatory of Music at Chicago.
Ira Gans. The business and records of Kosciusko County have
never been entrusted to more efficient hands than to the present coun-
ty recorder, Ira Gans, who entered upon his official duties in January,
1915, for the regular term of four years. Mr. Gans is a native son of
Kosciusko County and his family were among the most substantial
early settlers. His active career has been divided between farming, the
postal service and other duties and interests, and as a citizen his
popularity has been of that type which is only extended to men of
the highest integrity and public usefulness.
The Gans family was established in Kosciusko County by his
grandfather John Gans, who came from Stark County, Ohio, to Kosci-
usko Count.v, Indiana, a number of yeare before the Civil war and
settled in Turkey Creek Township near the head of what was then
called Ninc-]\rile Lake, now Lake Wawasee. John Gans had married
Elizabeth Shafer, and out of their nine children only two are now
living. Jacob Gans, one of their sons, was a very small boy when
brought to the wilderness of Kosciusko County, grew to manhood
there, and as a boy finished his limited schooling in the old log school-
house in the McClintick woods. He farmed all his active years, held a
few local offices, was a member of the Dunkard religious faith, a dem-
ocrat in polities, and, like his father before him, commanded universal
esteem. Liberal in his regard for his fellow men, charitable in his
views, he fitly represented the best elements of citizenship in Kosci-
usko County. Jacob Gans. married Ellen Shock, daughter of Isaiah
Shock, whose people were also pioneer settlers in Kosciusko. She
died in 1907, while Jacob Gans passed away in 1913. Their five chil-
dren were: Ira, Ida, Emma, John and William, and of these Emma
died at the age of twenty-two.
The present recorder of Kosciusko County was the oldest of his
parents' children, and was born April 20, 1869. Having spent all
his years in this county, he is intensely loyal to its interests and its
general welfare and progress. His earl.v home was one nf simple com-
forts and high ideals, and after he had finished his education in the
public schools he took up the substantial vocation of the farmer. For
sixteen years he carried the mail fi'om Vawter Park to Leesburg by
waj' of Oswego and North Webster.
Mr. Gans has a large and loyal following among the people of
Kosciusko County. He is affiliated with the Knights of Pythias and
the Loyal Order of Moose and has long been active in the republican
party. It was the votes of a handsome majority which called him
to his present office in 1914, his official term beginning January 1,
1915. On December 5, 1899, he married Miss Lena Poppenfoose,
582 HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY
daughter of Harmena Poppenfoose. The two children of their mar-
riage, Margaret and Carroll DeWitt, both died in early childhood.
Mrs. Gans is a member of the Church of God.
Edgar S. Hover is a native of Kosciusko County and for many
years has been successfully identified with the farm enterprise of
Monroe Township. He is perhaps most widely known over the county
as operator of a grain threshing outfit. He gained his first experience
in this business in Illinois and since 1900 has been proprietor of a com-
plete equipment for power threshing and has threshed grain for most
of the farmers throughout the county. The Hover farm is in section 7
of ilonroe Township, on rural route No. 6 out of Warsaw.
Mr. Hover was born in Washington Township, this county, on
section 34, southwest of Pierceton, December 27, 1859. He is a son
of Samuel S. and Minerva J. (Pratt) Hover. His father was born
in Logan County, Ohio, and after his marriage came to Indiana and
located on land in section 34 of Washington Township. The family
lived there to the spring of 1860. when they removed to Monroe Town-
ship. Samuel S. Hover died here February 17, 1897. He is a repub-
lican and a member of the Presbyterian church. His wife, who is
still living in Monroe Township, is a Methodist. They had two sons,
James S. and Edgar S., the former also a farmer in Monroe Township.
Edgar S. Hover grew up on his father's farm, and was educated
in the common schools. At the age of nineteen he left home, and had
a varied experience for some years in Illinois and other localities. On
]Mareh 12, 1882, he married Miss ^lary S. Linn. She was born in
Prairie Township of Kosciusko County March 31, 1858. When she
was thirteen years old her parents moved to Clay Township, where
she finished her education in the district schools. Jlr. and Mrs. Hover
after their marriage moved to a farm near the old homestead but
subsequently sold that and bought the place where they now reside,
with all the improvements and comforts and conveniences of country
living.
They have six children: Bessie B., a graduate of the common
schools, is the wife of Frederick Hartsock; Walter D. married Bessie
East and lives in JMonroe Township ; Emma G., a graduate of the high
school and of Valparaiso University, is the wife of Edward Polk, of
Monroe Township; Callie is the wife of Arch Kirkendall, of Clay
Township; Lenna L., a graduate of the common schools, married
Herschel Boyer ; Wilma, who is now attending high school at Warsaw.
The family are members of the Jlethodist Episcopal church. Mr,
Hover has served as trustee of the church. He is a member of Kosci-
usko Lodge No. 62 of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and in
politics has been quite prominent in his locality as a republican.
William H. Butterbaugh, proprietor of a farm in Lake Township,
has made his years and experience count toward useful ends not only
as a farmer but as a good citizen and as a worker in church, politics
and other affairs of his communitv.
HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY 583
The farm that he now owns was his birthplace. He was born
April 18, 1851, son of John and Sarah (Montel) Butterbaugh. His
father was bom in Montgomery County, Ohio, and came to Kosciusko
County about 1840. His wife was also a native of Montgomery Coun-
ty. They grew up and married in Indiana, and soon settled on the
farm now owned by their son William. The father died here in
1895 and the mother July 3, 1885. They were members of the
Dunkard church and in politics the father was a republican. Of their
eight children only two are now living, William H. and Mahlon, the
latter a resident of Bloomington, Indiana.
William H. Butterbaugh spent his early life on the home farm,
attended the district schools, and in 1876 married Miss Viola Dirck.
She was born in Seward Township of this county, November 18, 1857,
and was reared in Wabash County. Her father, Henry Dirck, was
a native of Ohio, and died in September, 1916. He married in Ohio,
but spent most of his life in Indiana. Mrs. Dirck is still living. Her
family comprises eight children : Ida, wife of Emanuel Homan ; Viola,
Mrs. Butterbaugh ; Orpha, deceased wife of Charles Wells ; Sadie,
wife of John Landis ; Leonard, a farmer in Michigan ; Samantha,
wife of Joe Swihart, of Silver Lake ; Ada, wife of Robert Warren ;
and Asa, who farms part of the old homestead.
After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Butterbaugh rented the old
farm and finally bought 1971/) acres there. The farm has since been
reduced to 148 acres, and during his more active .years Mr. Butter-
baugh gave much attention to the breeding of Hereford cattle. He has
been prospered, and has used his means and position in the community
to forward many worthy enterprises. He and his family are members
of the First Brethren Church and in politics he has been active as a
republican. Mr. and Mrs. Butterbaugh have two children and four
grandchildren. Hazel, their older daughter, is a graduate of the com-
mon schools and wife of Alvin Perry of Wabash County. Nellie M.
is also a graduate of the common schools and the wife of Glenn
Walthen. Mr. and Mrs. Walthen live with her father.
Levi Fruit has been one of the leading farmers and stockmen of
Lake Township for many yeai-s. For twenty-five years he has annu-
ally fed a bunch of cattle and hogs on his farm, and for the past
seven years has been an extensive shipper both of his own stock and
of that of other growers. Mr. Fruit's farm comprises 160 acres in
Lake Township, and 101 acres in Jackson Township, 21/^ miles south
of Packerton.
Most of his life has been spent in the southeastern corner of Kosci-
usko County, and he was born two miles south in Wabash County
November 26, 1864, a son of Christian and Frances (Snell) Fruit. His
father, who was born in Germany in 1827, was brought to the United
States a boy of twelve years, and about that time the Fruit family
established a pioneer home in Jackson Township of this county.
Christian Fruit married Frances Snell, a member of the old and
prominent name of that family in Jackson Township. After their
584 HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY
marriage they located in Wabash County, but eventually returned
to Jackson Township and spent the rest of their days here. He died
in 1914 and the mother in 1915. Both were members of the Conserva-
tive Brethren Church. Of their nine children six are living: Anna,
wife of John Brumbaugh, a prominent citizen of Huntington Coun-
ty ; Sophia, wife of Ellis Lehmer, of North Manchester ; John, of North
Manchester; Levi; Frances, wife of Charles Livezy, of Lake Town-
ship ; and Susan, wife of Joseph Cripe, of North Manchester.
Levi Fruit spent his boyhood and youth in Jackson Township, and
attended the neighboring district schools. On April 8, 1891, he mar-
ried Miss Florence C. Ganote, who was bom in Clarke County, Indi-
ana, November 28, 1864. She came to Kosciusko County at the age
of twenty-two, and had in the meantime completed the course of
the common and high schools. Mr. and INIrs. Fruit have five living
children, Calvin, a graduate of the common schools; Frank, who has
taken one year in a commercial school ; Louise and Ernest, both grad-
uates of the common schools; and Walter, who finished the common
school course in 1918. The family are members of the Methodist
Episcopal church at North Manchester. Mr. Fruit's politics has been
in line with the republican party for many years.
WiLBERT F. McGaby, manager of the Pierceton Immber Company,
is the example of a young man of enterprise and ability who started
life without capital and by his undivided energies attains a successful
and influential position in business and community affairs.
He was born at Middlebury, Indiana, June 23, 1881, a son of
Charles and Mary (Miles) McGary. His parents are still living at
Middlebury. Of their two children the daughter Rosa died at the
age of twenty-one.
Wilbert F. McGary was educated in the public schools at Middle-
bury, also had a high school course and learned and followed for four
years the painter's trade. Since then he has given his attention almost
entirely to the lumber business. For seven years he was with the
Griner Brothers at Middleburj-, then for two years was with a lumber
firm at Schoolcraft, Michigan, and on March 4, 1917, came to Pierceton
and with W. B. Schaefer of South Bend owns the Pierceton Lumber
Company yards and Mr. McGary is the active manager of the business.
j\Ir. McGary married for his first wife Elnora T. Anderhalt. She
was reared at Sturgis, Michigan, and died in 1914. At Schoolcraft,
Michigan, Mr. McGary married Ivah Schug. She is a graduat^ of
the high school at Schoolcraft and was a teacher before her marriage.
They are active members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr.
McGary is affiliated with the Masonic Lodge and Royal Arch Chapter
at Schoolcraft. In politics he is a republican, and while a resident
of Middlebury served as a member of the city board.
E. M. Radclipf is one of the successful business men of Kosciusko
County, has had a long and varied career as a merchant, teacher and in
other business affairs, and is now proprietor of the E. M. Radcliff
HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY 585
Flour & Feed Exchange at Piereeton. Mr. Radeliff knows the general
provision and feed business from the standpoint of an expert in experi-
ence and of long study, and while he is a thorough business man it is
also his ideal and aim to make his business and his experience count
as a real service to the community in which it is located.
Mr. Radeliff was born in Vinton County, Ohio, June 1, 1853, a son
of Hiram and Margaret (Rogers) Radeliff. Both parents were na-
tives of Vinton County. The father was born there in 1828. The
mother died in Vinton County when a comparatively young woman.
She left two children, E. M. and Rachel A. The latter is the wife of
I. N. Bryan, of Piereeton, Indiana. In 1862 Hiram Radeliff moved
with his family to Whitley County, Indiana, and spent the rest of
his life there as a farmer. By a second wife he had the following
children : John L. and C. 0., merchants at Piereeton ; Frank H., de-
ceased : Roscoe R., a coal dealer at Piereeton ; and Zelda, wife of
John McDonald, a farmer in Whitley County.
E. M. Radeliff was nine years old when his father moved to Whit-
ley County, and he grew up on a farm there and was educated chiefly
in the public schools of Larwell. He did his first work as a teacher
in Whitley County and taught seven winter terms in the country
district. He also had some experience in the intervals as a merchant.
Mr. Radeliff was one of the early students of the old Northern Indiana
Normal School at Valparaiso, now Valparaiso University. He first
entered that institution in 1872, about the time it was founded, and
graduated in both the normal and commercial courses. For five years
he was a merchant at Larwell, sold out and moved to Sidney, where he
bought a tract of land and laid out the town of Sidney and gave that
village its first impetus to growth. He remained there 41/0 years and
in 1884 came to Piereeton, a date which makes him one of the oldest
business men and residents of that village. He was first in business at
Piereeton under the firm name of Radclift" & ^McNamara. This firm
continued for sixteen years. Mr. Radeliff then sold his interests and
for four years was alone in business, and after selling out his store
to his brother entered his present special line as a flour and feed
merchant, and has conducted the E. M. Radeliff Flour & Feed Ex-
change successfully for seven years.
March 30, 1876, Mr. Radeliff married Mary M. Norris, who was
born and reared in Whitley County, and had a good public school
education. They have only one child. Dr. F. E. Radeliff, of Bourbon,
Indiana. Doctor Radeliff was educated in the high school at Piereeton,
and is a graduate of the Indiana Medical College, since which date
he has pursued his professional career with marked appreciation and
success. He married Lela Knox.
The Radeliff family are members of the Baptist church. Mr.
Radeliff has been active in church affairs, and is also affiliated with
Piereeton Lodge No. 377, Ancient Free and Accepted ilasons, War-
saw Chapter No. 48, Ro.yal Arch Masons, and Warsaw Commandery
No. 10, Knights Templars. Politically he is a republican, but has
practically given all his time to business witliout seeking the honors
of office.
586 HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY
Clyde L. Bishop is a jeweler by trade, was in that business at
Pierceton for a number of years, but is now finding profitable and
congenial employment in looking after his broad acres and his other
interests as an agriculturist and stockman on his farm near Pierceton
in Washington Township.
A native of Kosciusko County, he was born in Monroe Township
December 16, 1877, son of Marquis and Harriet (Baker) Bishop. His
father was born in Crawford County, Ohio, and his mother in Hancock
County, that state. She came with her parents to Kosciusko County,
while Marquis Bishop reached here in young manhood. After his mar-,
riage he farmed successfully, owned a large amount of land, and was
especially well known as a breeder of registered livestock. He was
an active factor in politics and at one time held the office of township
trustee.
Clyde L. Bishop was one of two children and the only one now liv-
ing. He grew up on the home farm in Monroe Township, and attended
both the grammar and high schools. At the age of eighteen he went
to Elgin, Illinois, and served a long and thorough apprenticeship at
the watchmaking and jewelry trades. • He followed his occupation as
a journeyman in different places and for five years was in business
for himself at Pierceton. His farm of 155 acres adjoins the corpora-
tion limits on the north, and he is one of the men in this coimty who
are helping swell the volume of agricultural products not only as a
matter of professional pride and good business practice, but also as
an aid toward winning the war.
October 25, 1899, !Mr. Bishop married Miss Jessie Knox. Mrs.
Bishop is a graduate of the Pierceton High School. They have four
children : Merwood, a high school boy ; Harold, in the grade schools ;
and Robert and Mary. Mrs. Bishop is a member of the ^lethodist
Episcopal church. Mr. Bishop is a republican in politics and is
affiliated with Pierceton Lodge No. 277, Ancient Free and Accepted
John L. Axdre.vs. When fny new and progressive enterprise
breaks the routine of the community life of Pierceton it 's pretty
certain that John L. Andreas has a hand in it, if he is not primarily
responsible for the undertaking. ]\Ir. Andreas during his residence
at Pierceton has been a lumberman, farmer, manufacturer, and more
than any one else has helped revive an old time agricultural industry,
hemp raising and manufacturing. There has never been any diffi-
culty in raising hemp, but the handling of the crop has presented dif-
ficulties that could only be overcome by the hardest and most arduous
manual labor. Mr. Andreas is responsible for some of the machinery
and appliances which lighten the burden of hemp culture. He is
inventor and manufacturer of hemp breaking machinery and of prac-
tically a complete installation of apparatus used in preparing hemp
between the field and the final processes of manufacture.
Mr. Andreas is a native of Ohio. He was born near Nevada in
Wyandotte County in June, 1867. His boyhood days were spent there
but in 1877 he came to Indiana and finished his education with a
HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY 587
business course in Valparaiso. For the next five years he did ofiSce
work and floor work in a general store at Akron, Indiana, and then
came to Pierceton and for a niimber of years was chiefly identified
with the lumber industry. He was associated with his brother and
they both bought and sold lumber and timber. Mr. Andreas made this
business his chief work until 1911.
In 1895 he married Miss Ida A. Brower, of Kosciusko County. She
is a graduate of the local high school. They have three children.
Susie 6. is attending high school, and she was a student of St. Mary's
University. The two younger children are John L., Jr., aged seven,
and Sarah, aged three. Mrs. Andreas is a member of the Presbyterian
church. Mr. Andreas is a charter member of the Knights of Pythias
Lodge at Akron, Indiana, and in politics is independent.
His home farm comprises 188 acres adjoining Pierceton, but alto-
gether he has under cultivation about 315 acres. He is a specialist in
some of the truck crops, including cabbages and tomatoes. As a
hemp raiser he began on a very small scale, but especially emphasized
the matter of quality. He increased his fields until he has 300 acres
in cultivation. He also began the manufacture of hemp breaking
machinery^ on a very small scale, and he put in the first drying kilns
for curing hemp. A large part of his time is now taken up with
installing and manufacturing hemp dryers, breaking machines and
cleaning plants. He has patents to cover his special original ma-
chinery.
Elmer E. McCarter. Among the men who have lived longest in
Kosciusko County a place of special honor belongs to Elmer E. Mc-
Carter for his unique record as a teacher in Washington Township.
In later years Mr. McCarter has applied his industry successfully to
the management of a first class truck farm, and is the present trustee
of the township.
He was born in Hamilton County, Indiana, April 4, 1861, son of
Alfred G. and Sarah A. (Stinson) McCarter. The McCarter family
are of old Pennsylvania stock. Grandfather William McCarter was
born in Pennsylvania January 1, 1800, and was a bricklayer by
trade. He married Harriet McCord, who was bom in Philadelphia
November 27, 1800.
Alfred G. McCarter^ father of Elmer E., was born at Carlisle,
Pennsylvania, May 16, 1827, and is well remembered in Kosciusko
and other Indiana counties for his work as a Methodist missionary
and minister. He grew up in Montgomery County, Ohio, began the
trade of cabinet maker at Dayton, and in that trade worked as a
.iourneyman for seven or eight years in different towns and localities.
In 1852 he was licensed as a local preacher of the Methodist Episcopal
Church at Logansport and in 1853 was received into the North Indiana
Conference. He did his work as a missionary preacher in nearly
every county of Northern Indiana, and was retired from the ministry
in 1880. In 1854 he was pastor of the churches west of Warsaw in
Kosciusko County, in 1856 was on the Pierceton circuit, in 1858 on
the Leesburg circuit, in 1872 on the Silver Lake circuit, and in 1873
588 HISTOKY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY
on the West circuit. After 1880 he lived retired on his wife's farm
in section 17 of Washington Township.
Rev. ilr. McCarter married June 17, 1858, Sarah A. Stinson, who
was born in Pike County, Ohio, February 26, 1838. She came with her
parents to Indiana and grew up in Kosciusko County. Five children
were born to their marriage and four are still living: George W., of
Warsaw; Elmer E. ; Luella, widow of Morton Little; and Harriet,
wife of Dr. A. B. Rimer, of Remington, Indiana.
Elmer E. MeCarter grew up on a farm, and was educated in public
schools in different localities. He also attended the Methodist College
at Fort Wayne. He began teaching in early life, and for twenty-nine
consecutive years had charge of one school in Wa.shington Township,
where toward the last he taught some of the children of his early
pupils.
April 7, 1886, Mr. ]\IcCarter married Miss Lou Baker, who was
born in Kosciusko County and was educated in the local public schools.
For a number of years Mr. and Mrs. MeCarter have lived on a small
but highly productive farm in Washington Township, comprising
seventeen acres, which they have operated as a fruit and truck farm.
They have three children : Nina is a graduate of the Warsaw High
School, also carried her higher education through the University of
Chicago, and is now a teacher in the Pierceton High School. Jacob C,
a graduate of the local high school, is connected with a wholesale jewel-
ery house in Chicago. Alfred F. is a graduate of the Pierceton High
School and is still at home with his parents. The family are mem-
bers of the Methodist Church at Pierceton and ilr. JlcCarter has served
on the official board and also as superintendent of the Sundaj' school
for over twenty yeai-s. In politics he is a republican but his only pub-
lic office has been his present responsibility as trustee of Washington
Township.
Joshua We.\ver is one of the prominent residents of ilonroe Town-
ship, where he has conducted a well managed and profitable farm for
a number of years. His hom.e is on route Xo. 1 out of Sidney and
located four miles northeast of that village.
Mr. Weaver was born in Wood County, Ohio, Augiist 17, 1851,
and lived in that section of the Buckeye state for many years before
coming to Indiana. His parents, John and Harriet (Martin) Weaver
were born and married in Washington County, Pennsylvania, and
from there moved to Bloom Township in Wood County, Ohio. They
were among the substantial farming element of that section the rest
of their lives. The father was a democrat and quite active in party
affairs and filled office as township asses.sor, treasurer and trustee. Of
the ten children only two are now living : ]Mary E. and Joshua. Mary
is the wife of Samuel Kachensbarge, of North Baltimore, Ohio.
Jo-shua Weaver was reared on his father's farm in Wood County
and was given a district school education. He lived at home with his
parents to the age of twenty-five. On September 13. 1877, he married
Amv A. Whitacre. She was born in Wood County and was educated
in the schools of that localitv.
HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY 589
. Mr. and Mrs. Weaver spent nearly thirty years on a farm in Wood
County but in 1905 sold out and moved to Monroe Township of Kosci-
iisko County, where they have a large and well managed fann of 120
acres. Mr. Weaver has always been very successful in handling live-
stock and makes that an important feature of his farm work.
They have four children. Mary, a graduate of the high school and
formerly a teacher, is the wife of Charles Dickinson and lives at
Bakersfield, California. Isaac is a worker in the oil fields of Cali-
fornia. Alta, a graduate of high seliool, married Charles Tracy, living
near Casey, Illinois. Earl is an oil well driller in California.
Mr. Weaver is one of the deacons of the Christian Church in his
neighborhood. As a democrat he has filled several offices and while
in Bloom Township, Ohio, was township trustee.
Samuel Guy, whose country home is known as Springdale Farm,
situated two miles northwest of Pierceton on route No. 3, has spent
practically all his life in Kosciusko County. He began here with
small means, and his own work has contributed to his success until he
now has one of the better and larger farms of this section of the
county.
He was born in Prairie Township of Kosciusko County, July 11,
1858, son of Robert and Mars^ (Vanator) Guy. His mother was born
in Morrow County, Ohio. His father died January 1. 1866, and after
his death the mother married Mr. E. J. Smith. Both are now de-
ceased, and her children were by her first marriage, named Harriet
and Samuel. Harriet is unmarried and lives with her brother.
Samuel Guy lived on the old homestead in Prairie Township until
he was sixteen, when his mother moved to the place he now occupies in
Washington Township in 1874. His education was the product of
attending the district schools until the age of sixteen and after that he
went to work and used his strength in plowing and planting and other-
wise helping in the management of the farm. In that way he grew to
maturity and his associations with agricultural enterprise in this coun-
ty have been continuous for forty years.
On November 24, 1887, he married Miss Ina V. Crum. Mrs. Guy
was born in Turkey Creek Township in June, 1869, but at the age of
three years her parents died and after that she grew up in Wabash
County with her paternal grandmother. She was educated in the
public schools until about the time of her marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Guy
had one child, Roy Martin, who died at the age of fifteen.
Mrs. Guy is one of the prominent members of the Methodist Episco-
pal Church at Pierceton. Mr. Guy is affiliated with Pierceton Lodge
No. 377, Free and Accepted ]\Iasons, and with the Consistory of
Scottish Rite at Fort Wayne. Both are active in Pierceton Chapter
No. 56 of the Eastern Star, and Mrs. Guy is a past worthy matron of
its Chapter and is also past lady commander of the Ladies of the Mac-
cabees. In politics Mr. Guy votes as a republican. The farm which
has been the scene of his mature activities for so many years and
which has amply repaid his efforts and management comprises 140
acres and it fully justifies its name and title as Springdale Farm.
590 HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY
John W. Faulkner. One of the enterprising and progressive
men who are principally engaged in agricultural pursuits in Kosci-
usko County, John W. Faulkner brought to his calling excellent judg-
ment and good business methods, and his labors have been crowned
with success. He owns a good and well managed farm of 160 acres in
Monroe Township, 3i/^ miles south of Pierceton on rural route No. 2.
Mr. Faulkner was born in this township September 7, 1850, son
of Nelson and Julia A. (King) Faulkner. His father was born in
New York State and his mother in Ohio. Nelson Faulkner came to
Indiana at the age of twenty-one, and became a resident of Kosciusko
County. The King family came to the state in pioneer times and first
located at Kendallville, and afterwards moved to Noble County, where
they died. Nelson Faulkner and wife had six children, four of whom
are still living: Barbara, wife of Mr. Hoagland, of Warsaw; John
W. ; Louisa, wife of "William Klingle ; Hannah, wife of William Moun-
son ; Rachel, who married John Kegg, and is now deceased ; and Isaac
N., deceased.
John W. Faulkner spent his early days on the old farm in Monroe
Township, was educated in the common schools, and lived at home
until his parents moved to Pierceton. On September 2, 1874, he
married Jliss Alice V. Norris. Mrs. Faulkner was born in Wabash
County, Indiana, December 9, 1854, but was brought to Kosciusko
Countj^ as a child by her parents, who located in Monroe Township.
Mr. and Mrs. Faulkner have the following children living: Lilly M.,
wife of George W. Campbell; Lura 0., wife of James R. Winsley;
Lula A., wife of George W. Winsley; Loyal C, who married Eva
M. Headlee and lives on an adjoining farm ; and Lyman M., who mar-
ried Fannie F. Clover and is a farmer in ]Monroe Township.
The family are members of the Christian Church and 'Sir. Faulkner
is a republican.
Elson V. Bowman. One of the prosperous farmers of Monroe
Township who conducts his extensive operations with method and
good judgment is Elson V. Bowman, whose home is 2^4 miles southeast
of Pierceton on rural route No. 2.
Mr. Bowman was born on the farm where he now lives February
22, 1886, son of Thomas and Eliza (Vandergrift) Bowman. His par-
ents are still living. Thomas Bowman was born in Stark County, Ohio,
November 23, 1844, was reared and educated there, and married on
February 23, 1886, Miss Vandergrift, who was born May 14, 1846.
In 1872 they came to Kosciusko County, Ohio, and have been among
the substantial people of this community for over forty-five years.
Thomas Bowmfin is a veteran of the Union Army, having enlisted in
the 25th Ohio Battery and saw active service for three years. He
is now a member of the Grand Army Post at Pierceton, Indiana,
and in polities is a republican. Thomas Bowman and wife have six
children, all still living : 0. H. Bowman, of Monroe Township ; Grace,
wife of J. L. Helwig, of Warsaw; Emily, wife of 0. H. Harmon, of
Burlington, Colorado; Josephine, wife of C. L. Hass, of Pierceton;
Crete, who is unmarried ; and Elson.
HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY 591
Elson V. Bowman was educated in the district schools, also at-
tended Pierceton High School one year, and the scene of his active
labors as a farmer is the place where he was born and reared.
December 18, 1907, Mr. Bowman married Miss Alta Tatman, of
LaPorte County. She is a graduate of the Union Mills High School
and was a teacher two terms before her marriage. They have two
children, Alice, attending the Pierceton public schools and Florence,
aged five years. The family are members of the Presbyterian Church
and in polities Mr. Bowman is a republican.
Orvil S. Yeager. There is no local office for which the qualifi-
cations of candidates are more carefully scrutinized than that of town-
ship trustee. The citizens of Jefl'erson Township have congi-atulated
themselves upon the work and efficiency shown by the present incum-
bent of that office. Orvil S. Yeager, who has fully deserved the confi-
dence of the community and is giving a very careful administration of
the aflPairs entrusted to him.
Mr. Yeager, whose home is 6Vo miles southwest of Milford. was
born in Tippecanoe Township of Koscin.sko County, August 27, 1866,
son of Andrew and Clarissa (Hull) Yeager. His father was a native
of Canada and his mother of Ohio, and they married in Indiana. They
lived for several years in Tippecanoe Township and finally settled
near Nappanee. Both were members of the Church of God and the
father was a deacon. In politics he voted as a republican. They had
eleven children, and those now living are Charles, Annis, Ida, Rosa,
Orvil and Orlando, twins, Clemma, Eva and Leonard.
Orvil S. Yeager grew up on the homestead and attended the com-
mon schools. At the age of twenty-one he started out on his own
account and was a farm worker for several years.
December 28, 1889, he married Miss Lizzie Carris, a native of
Indiana and reared in Kosciusko County. Mr. and Mrs. Yeager are
members of the Evangelical Church and he is one of the church
trustees and is very active in Sunday school. His fine home comprises
twenty-seven acres in Jefferson Township. In politics he is a re-
publican.
D.wiD H. Lessig. There was no more admirable figure in "Warsaw
business circles than the late David H. Lessig, who passed away, and
with his passing left vacant a high position in the community, on
February 12, 1913. Those who were only familiar with him during
the last twenty or thirty years of his life knew him as a man pros-
perous and influential beyond the ordinary. Those whose memory
went further back could recall some of the hardships and obstacles
which he had to overcome in his advance to success. Along the strict
lines of integrity and honor he gained some of the best prizes of life.
A native of Indiana, he was born on a farm near Goshen Septem-
ber 4, 1851, a son of Joseph and Elizabeth (Hart) Lessig. When he
was a small boy his parents moved to Leesburg in Kosciusko County.
There the father engaged in merchandising. David H. Lessig was
reared to manhood in the Leesburg locality, educated by private tutors
592 HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUXTY
and in the public schools of Leesburg, and when only eighteen taught
his first term of school. He continued teaching for two years. Early
in life he had realized the importance of securing a good education.
He never relaxed his studies, his close observations of men. and he was
a sound reasoner in everything he undertook.
He was only sixteen yeai-s of age when his father died. From
that time forward he had to mold his destiny according to his own
energies, ambitions and ideals. ^lany men more fortunate in their
early environment might well en\y what Mr. Lgssig accomplished.
Prior to attaining his majority he came to Warsaw as deputy
county clerk under Gen. Reub. Williams. He remained in the Court
House for three yeare. Returning to Leesburg, he took the post of
station agent for the Big Four Railroad Company, and also served
as bookkeeper for the tirm of H. B. Stanley, grain dealers. Gradually
he accumulated experience and some limited capital, and with this as
a basis engaged in mercantile pursuits on his own account. He also
during this period of his life served as trustee of Plain Township for
four years, and for a similar length of time as postmaster of Leesburg.
No man in the county was better fitted for public responsibilities.
In 1894 he was elected auditor of Kosciusko County, and remained
in charge of that office in the Court House at Warsaw for four years.
The day following the expiration of his term of office he was elected
president of the Lake City Bank, and this was the office with which
he was most familiarly identified and which he administered with
exceptional ability until his death. He had also assisted in organizing
the Lee-sburg Grain and Jlilling Company and served as president of
that until the close of his life.
For nine years ^Ir. Lessig was a member of the Board of Education
and was its secretary when the fine new high school building was
erected in Warsaw. He was one of the organizers of the Warsaw
Chamber of Commerce, and continued on its board of directors until he
was called away by death.
On March 29, 1877, Mr. Lessig married Miss Fannie Richardson,
of Rochester, New York. She died on the first anniversary of their
wedding. She left one daughter, Frances R., who married Earl Con-
rad and they have a daughter named ]\Iary Louise. On March 9, 1888,
Mr. Lessig married Miss Mary Eugenia Killbury. of Hornellsville,
New York. Mrs. Lessig still lives at the old home in Warsaw, and is
the mother of four children. The oldest, Harriet Louise, is Mrs. Harry
Wann. The other three children are Joseph S., Donald H. and
Eleanor H.
The early years of Mr. Lessig were fraught with hardships and
privations. This fact undoubtedly led to his being ever read}' to lend
a helping hand to those less fortunate than himself. Of a studious
turn of mind, he was also genial, making friends readily, and in-
variably retaining these friendships to the end. Few men stood higher
in the eommunitj- because of native ability, energy and unostentatious
charity. He was a Royal Arch Mason, a republican in politics, and a
member of the Presb-s-terian Church.
HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY 593
Andrew J. Hill. An esteemed and highly respected citizen of Kos-
ciuseo County and one of its enterprising and progressive farmers,
Andrew J. Hill has for many years been intimately associated with
the development and promotion of agricultural interests in Seward
Township. The esteem in which he is held is well reflected in the fact
that he is the present trustee of the township, and this is not the only
position for which his fellow citizens have indicated their absolute
trust and confidence in his ability to fill.
Mr. Hill was born in Lake Township of this county February 18,
1863, a son of Charles and Mary (Batzner) Hill. His father was born
in Pennsylvania July 6, 1809. His mother was born in Germany
December 11, 1829, and as a girl of nine years was brought to this
country by her parents, who settled in Southeastern Indiana. Mary
Batzner was the second wife of Charles Hill, and their five children
were : Sarena, who died at the age of fifteen ; Andrew J. ; Albert,
who died at the age of eleven ; Danie, who died when twenty-one yeare
old; and Mary, wife of Clyde McKnight, of Indianapolis.
Andrew J. Hill grew up in Lake Township, made the most of his
advantages in the district schools, and he called his parents' home his
own until he was twenty-one. But from the age of nineteen he was
making his own way in the world and on June 9, 1888, at the age
of twenty-five, he really established himself in life when he married
Emma Perry. Mrs. Hill was bom in Pleasant Township of Wabash
County. After their marriage they moved to the Village of Silver
Lake, where he was in business for a time, but in 1892 moved to his
farm of 161 acres, and to its improvement and cultivation he has
given his closest attention now for over a quarter of a century.
Mr. and Mrs. Hill became the parents of nine children : Dean C,
a graduate of the common schools is now serving in the United States
Army ; Herbert, also a common school graduate, is still at home but
may also be called into the army ; Eunice, wife of David "Wood ; Icel,
wife of Russell Shoemaker; Augustus D., who is a graduate of the
high school of Silver Lake and of the Normal English department
of North Manchester College ; Grace, a high school student ; Priscilla,
John and Pauline, who are the younger children and are still to
finish their education in the common schools.
Mr. Hill is affiliated with Lake View Lodge No. 165, Knights of
Pythias, and with the Loyal Order of Moose. In polities he is a dem-
ocrat. Before his election to his present office he served as township
assessor and at this writing is democratic nominee for county com-
missioner.
Wesley Stackhouse, a native of Kosciusko County, and practi-
cally a lifelong resident of Scott Township, has given his capable
attention to farming and with such good results that he now enjoys
an enviable prosperity and is well able to relieve himself of the heavier
responsibilities that formerly engaged him. However, he is still living
on his comfortable rural estate in Scott Township.
He was born in that township October 15, 1851, son of John and
Hannah Stackhouse. His parents were both natives of England,
594 HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY
where they were reared and married, and all their children except
Weslej- were born in England. As a family they came to the United
States about 1847 and were pioneers in Kosciusko County. They took
an active part in church mattere and the father was a republican. Of
their children three are still living: Hugh, William and Wesley.
Hugh still occupies the old homestead, while William is also a well
known farmer of Scott Township.
ilr. Wesley Stackhouse was well educated, partly in district and
partlj' in select schools. He married Miss Celestia Gearhart, who was
also born in Scott Township. She was a faithful companion and
mother to her children, and her loss was widely lamented. She died
in January, 1914. Of her nine children all but one are still living:
Ella, James, Ed, Leonard, Lulu, William, Allie, Fred and Hobert.
The family are members of the Christian Church and Mr. Stack-
house is one of the trustees. In politics he is a republican. His farm,
representing his labor and good management, comprises 180 acres.
Mr. Stackhouse has accepted the opportunities afforded by his pros-
perity to see much of this country. In 1914 he made an interesting
journey to California and saw much of the country that has been so
widely celebrated in literature. In the fall of 1917 he toured the
East, including the cities of Boston, New York and Washington, and
was there at a time when he could observe the National Legislature
in session and see much of the life of the capital. On each of these
trips he was absent from home about two months.
J.VMES E. Guy. The world is now interested as never before in
the production of farms both in the aggregate and individually. That
Kosciusko County is doing its full share toward swelling the volume
of farm products is well known, and one of the men in the vanguard
of this work is James E. Guy, whose name and experience are espe-
cially associated with the breeding of Hereford cattle. He has prob-
ably the best herd of Wliite Faces in the county. His herd leader is
ileal Ticket No. 101793, an animal that exemplifies all the splendid
qualities of this great beef stock. Mr. Guy has twelve cows and heifers.
His farm is in Wayne Township 21/2 miles west of Warsaw, and com-
prises 130 acres in his home place, while he owns another eightj^ acres
two miles south.
On the home farm where he now lives Mr. Guy was born May
4, 1870, son of James and Ruharaa (Creighton) Guy. His father was
a native of Ohio. Both families came to Kosciusko Coianty m early
days, and the parents grew to maturity here and married and then
settled on the farm where they spent the rest of their lives, ilr.
James Guy, Sr., was born in 1819. The mother died fifteen years
ago. In politics James Guy, Sr., was a republican. Of the nine chil-
dren eight are still living: Henry, a farmer in Wayne Township;
Laura, wife of B. F. Foulk, of Wai-saw ; Mary, wife of George Heater,
of Warsaw ; Jennie, wife of George Wolfe : Anna, wife of Lem Cook,
of Wayne Township; Ella, wife of Eli Grissom; Electa, wife of J.
G. Longfellow, of Wayne Township ; and James E.
James E. Guy was reared to manhood on the old farm and attended
HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY 595
the district schools of Wayne Township. He married Miss Nannie
Zimmennan, who died leaving two children, Ralph and Nannie. Both
were educated in the common schools. Ralph married Gladys Phil-
lips and now lives in Wayne Township, while Nannie is the wife of
Ralph Remy and lives on the old farm. Mr. Guy married for his
present wife Sarah Miller. They are members of the United Brethren
Church at Warsaw and politically he votes as a republican.
John H. Harmon. One of the thriftiest residents of Prairie
Township is John H. Harmon, whose home is near Etna Green. In
the main work which he chose for his career, agriculture, it is needless
to say that Mr. Harmon has been prospered beyond the ordinary. He
was reared and has spent most of his life in this county and his works
and his influence have brought him an estimable station among his
fellow men.
He was horn in Crawford County. Ohio. February 23, 1852, a
son of David S. and Susan (Boardner) Harmon. Both his parents
were natives of Columbiana County, Ohio. The paternal grand-
father was John Harmon, a native of Pennsylvania, from which
state he moved to Ohio and finally to Indiana, where he died. He
saw some service during the Revolutionary "war. The maternal
grandfather was John Boardner, also a native of Pennsylvania, who
subsequently became an Ohio farmer. David S. Harmon and wife
brought their family out to Indiana in 1861, and located on a farm
in Kosciusko County. They were active members of the Dunkard
Church and in politics he was a republican and gave some good serv-
ice as a member of the school board in the early days. His thrift and
industry enabled him to accumulate 160 acres of land, which he
placed under a state of high improvement. There were eleven chil-
dren in the family and six are now living.
The oldest of these, John H. Harmon, while a boy in Ohio, at-
tended a German school, and also attended the public schools of
Indiana after the family moved to this state. Reared on a farm, he
naturally took to the vocation for which his early training fitted him,
and for a period of forty years or more has been industriously en-
gaged in that line. His present place of eighty acres is situated in
Prairie Township, and he has a good home and has practically per-
formed all the improvements about his farm by his own hand or
under his direct management. He combines crop growing with the
raising of good stock.
Mr. Harmon married Sarah Knabenshue. She was born in Vir-
ginia, but her parents brought her to Indiana when she was quite
young. Of the children of Mr. and Mrs. Harmon five are living:
Isaac is a Kosciusko County farmer; Walter is also a farmer in
this county ; Leona is the wife of Mr. Yarmon, an engineer living at
Port Wayne; Gertrude married Mr. Girard, and they live on the
Harmon farm; Glenn is a machinist living at Warsaw. In politics
Mr. Harmon is a republican and from time to time has interested
himself in those movements which bring about the improvement and
betterment of his home community.
596 HISTOKY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY
Horace Tucker. Perhaps to no one of the old pioneers of
Kosciusko County is more frequent reference made than to the late
Horace Tucker. He was an exemplary citizen, successful in a mate-
rial way, and his influence counted for much in the development and
progress of the county. The following sketch of his career will serve
to supplement other minor notices of him found in this publication.
He was born in Kichland County, Ohio, November 8, 1825, son of
John and ^lary (Warde) Tucker. His grandfather, Ezra Tucker, was
a native of New Hampshire and his children consisted of Daniel, John,
Ezra, Cyrus, David and Eliza. Ezra Tucker served in the War of
1812. John Tucker, his son, enli.sted in the same war but was never
called into the field.
John Tucker grew up on a farm in New Hampshire, had the
average education of his time in the subscription schools, and made
such good use of his advantages that he taught for a time. About
1820 he moved to Richland County, Ohio, walking the entire distance
of 800 miles. Northern and Western Ohio were then a total wilder-
ness, with as many Indians as white people. John Tucker entered
160 acres of land in Union Township and industriously cleared it
away acre by acre, lived in a rude log cabin, and for a time his nearest
neighbor was four miles distant. The first season he cleared up a
small patch and planted it with potatoes. The following year he
returned to New Hampshire, walking as before, and there married
Mary Warde. He brought his bride to his Ohio home in a one-horse
wagon, and that wagon also contained practically all their movable
possessions and goods. The wagon served not only as a vehicle by
day, but as a shelter by night against the storms, and the roadside
supplied the campfires where they cooked their simple meals. One
of the implements which they brought with them on this journey
from New Hampshire was a skillet which was handed down in the
family and was owned by Horace Tucker. John Tucker and wife
spent thirty-three days on this home seeking and honeymoon tour,
and the last six miles he had to break the way through the brush
and woods. In Richland County they put up with the hardships and
trials of most of the pioneers, but were prospered perhaps above the
ordinary and in course of time had a good farm and a substantial
log house and still later a good frame house.
The children of this pioneer couple were : Horace. Aurelius. who
married Isabel Alexander ; Sarena, who married Francis Wager ;
Albert, who became a resident of Mentone, Indiana ; Regulus, who
married Jane Blue; Livona, who married John Yandermark.
John Tucker and his son Horace Tucker came to Kosciusko County
in 1846, for the purpose of inspecting the land in this then compara-
tively new community. Satisfied with what he saw, Horace Tucker
bought 160 acres in sections 19 and 20 of Franklin Township. His
father went back to Ohio leaving Horace to clear away some of the
woods and brush, and this accomplished he too walked back to his
Ohio home, having 200 miles to make the .iourney on foot. Wliile in
Ohio he continued work on his father's farm, and on January 13,
1848, married Eliza Johnson, daughter of Francis and Anna (Flem-
HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY 597
iiig) Johnson. The Johnson family came originally from Ireland,
and William Johnson, grandfather of Mrs. Horace Tucker, on com-
ing to the United States shortly after his marriage located in Penn-
sj'lvania, where Mrs. Tucker's father was born. Francis Johnson
was a blacksmith and a sickle maker. He spent most of his life in
Ohio. He was a member of the Presbyterian Church. Horace Tucker
out of his generous prosperity was able to give each of his children
money or property to the value of $6,000 upon their marriage and
leaving home. Their children were: Albert L., born September 19,
1849, elsewhere mentioned in this publication ; Rosella, born in De-
cember, 1853, who married Jonathan -Tinkey ; Hollis C, born in Feb-
ruary, 1857, married Nettie Alexander.
Horace Tucker was the type of pioneer who was not merely a
good manager but was willing to get into the heaviest and most ardu-
ous toil himself. Thus many acres of heavy forest which originally
covered his land was cleared away by the steady blows of his axe. He
was not less efficient in the skill and judgment he showed in manag-
ing the men who worked for him. The first spring he was in Kosci-
usko County he planted six acres of corn among the stumps, breaking
the land with a yoke of runaway oxen that he had secured in the
woods and which belonged to some distant neighbor. He yoked them
up when they came to his barn for something to eat. In 1871 Horace
Tucker began erecting a substantial brick house, which is still a land-
mark in that vicinity. It was the first house of that construction in
the township and the firet to be supplied with steam heat. Exclusive
of his own work he invested $4,000 in the house. He also put up the
first windmill pump in the township. In 1874 he built a large and
substantial barn. Much of his money was made in handling and
marketing cattle. He was in that business for about half a century.
He was the first man to ship a carload of livestock to "Warsaw in.
1856.
While it. was not possible for him to make his money as easily as
many men of the present generation, he was not lacking in great
liberality in its use, and contributed liberally of his means to churches
and to every worthy undertaking. He began voting as a whig and
subsequently was an equally stanch republican. He served as treas-
urer and trustee of his township, and was always an influence in
county politics. Besides his farm he accumulated extensive tracts
of land in Kosciusko and other counties, and always used livestock
as a means of making his land profitable. In 1900 he sold from his
farms, $8,000 worth of fat graded cattle, that being one of the largest
single stock sales ever recorded in this county.
Horace Tucker and wife began their housekeeping with utmost
simplicity. Their first table consisted of an ordinary^ store box and
their first bed was made of poles stuck in auger holes in the wall,
these holes being covered with clapboards instead of slats, and the
bed put on top. During his last j^ears and after the death of his wife
Horace Tucker received most devoted attention and care from hi.<4
grandson, Ivan Tucker. As a result of an accident he spent his last
six months in bed. He died September 12, 1907, and his wife Novem
598 HISTOEY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY
ber 11, 190-1:. He died beloved of all who knew him, and the memory
of many of his kind deeds are still preserved.
Arthur Smith has his home in Silver Lake in Lake township, but
for a long period of years his activities as a farmer and thresherman
have made him known over the area of several townships of this
county.
He represents one of the old families here. His father, Mark
Smith, came from Ohio to Kosciusko County in 1843. He drove across
the country with him a hundred head of sheep, and was a pioneer in
sheep husbandrj- in this county. The maiden name of his wife was
Nancy Garvin. Mark Smith was born near Akron, Ohio, June 27,
1826, and his wife was born in Indiana in December. 1831. She died
June 12, 1864, while he lived to very advanced yeai-s, passing away
April 12. 1904. He and his wife were members of the Baptist church,
being charter members of the church in Seward Township, and the
first services of that denomination were held in their own home. Their
affiliation was with Franklin Baptist Church, ilark Smith was an
active republican and for one term served as trustee of Seward Town-
ship. He and his wife had five children, the three now living being
S. E. Smith, of Paris, Texas, Arthur, and Jonathan 6., of Seward
Township. The son Lucius died at the age of twelve years and Ida
when only nine months old.
Arthur Smith was born on his father's farm in Seward Township
December 18, 1857. He grew up there, having the advantages of the
common schools, and from the age of twenty until he was twenty-eight
assumed a large part of responsibilitv in the management of the home
farm. On March 21, 1886, Mr. Smith married Samantha J. Herald.
She was bom in Seward Township December 17, 1861, and was edu-
cated in the common schools. Mr. and Mrs. Smith have two children :
Worden K, is a graduate of the common schools, is a farmer in Seward
Township, and married Bessie Drudger. Cleo A. is the wife of Eugene
Way, of Seward Township.
Mr. Smith still owns eighty acres of good farming land, and for
many years has operated a threshing outfit, supplying that indispens-
able ser\'ice to a large circle of farmers in this county. Mr. Smith
is president of the Seward Horse Thief Detective Association. He
has been precinct chairman of the republican party for a number of
years, and is affiliated with the Knights of Pythias and the Knights
of the Maccabees.
Jacob Sparks, a resident of Kosciusko County most of his active
life, has given a good account of his years in his chosen occupation as
a farmer. His farm and home are well known in the southeast corner
of the township, being located in section 34 of Jackson Township, a
mile east and half a mile south of Sidney.
Mr. Sparks was born in Rock Creek Township of Wells Count}*,
Indiana, February 8, 1864. The record of his family in Indiana goes
back several generations. His great-grandparents, Solomon and Char-
ity Sparks, came from Virginia and after a time spent in Muncie,
Indiana, moved to Wells County, locating in Rock Creek Township,
HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY 599
three miles south of Markle. Solomon Sparks entered a hundred sixty
acres of government land there, and on it spent the rest of his days.
His children were Isaac, Jackson, David, Solomon, William, John,
Rachel, Charity and one other daughter. "William Sparks, grandfather
of Jacob, married Hettie Miller, and among their children were IMoses,
Henry, James, K. P.. John and Rachel. Jacob Sparks is a son of
Moses and Hannah A. (Bane) Sparks. Moses Sparks had three other
children : John F. of Huntington, Indiana ; Isaac, who also lives in
Huntington ; Elizabeth, wife of Jacob Cordle ; while another daughter,
Sarah M., is now deceased.
Jacob Sparks gi-ew up in his native township of Wells County,
but at the age of twelve his parents moved to Huntington County,
and about 1884 he came to this county. For over thirty .years he has
lived in Jackson Township. Mr. Sparks married Jennetta Ross.
They had one daughter, Ruth, and both mother and daughter died in
1900. On July 13, 1901, Mr. Sparks married Cora E. Smith, widow
of William C. Smith. They have two sturdy young sons, William H.
and Adam L.
Mr. Sparks is a democrat in political affiliations. The farm which
is the center of his enterprise and through which he has provided well
for his family and made himself a contributing factor in Kosciusko
County agriculture, comprises about a hundred forty-three and a half
acres in section 34 of Jackson Township. In livestock he specializes
in Duroc hogs, Shorthorn cattle and also the Polled Durhams.
Edmund S. Lash. Some of the finest farms and the best farmers
reside in the community around Etna Green. One of these is Edmund
S. Lash, who is a native son of Kosciusko County, and has not only
prospered and done well in his business vocation, but has identified
himself in a useful way with county affairs, has filled several of the
important offices, and always exerts his influence in behalf of com-
munity betterment.
His birth occurred in Hai-rison Township August 26, 1862. His
parents were Philip and Sarah (Kehler) Lash, both natives of Ohio,
his mother born near Wooster. The paternal grandfather, John
Lash, was also a native of Ohio, and was one of the verj^ early settlers
of Kosciusko County, where he became a large land owner and took
much part in early affairs. The maternal grandfather was John
Kehler, who also came early to Kosciusko County, and was a mill-
wright by trade, and most of his sons grew up to mechanical profes-
sions. Philip Lash was born in 1826 and died in 1863. His wife was
born in 1824 and died in 1892. They both came as children to Indiana
and were married in this state. Of their five children four are living.
Mrs. Cora Harris, a widow ; Jennie, wife of Mr. Wolper, who is in the
real estate business at Dayton, Ohio ; Mrs. Tillie Blue, whose husband
is a retired farmer at Mentone ; and Edmund S. The parents of these
children were both members of the Methodist Episcopal church and
the father was a republican. Philip Lash grew up in Kosciusko County
when it was comparatively a wilderness. As a boy he frequently saw
600 HISTOKY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY
Indians, and the school he attended had among its pupils several
Indian children.
Edmund S. Lash began his serious career with a valuable equip-
ment of knowledge and practical experience. After attending the com-
mon schools he spent two terms in the Methodist college at Port
Wayne. He has a grateful memory of the two yeare he himself spent^
as a" teacher. From teaching he gravitated into farming and that has
been his steady vocation now for fully thirty years. His success is
of his own making and the property he owns is an adequate testimonial
to his enterprise and industry. His farm comprises 180 acres, and its
buildings and various improvements are the direct result of his work
and supervision. He raises corn, hay and wheat, and has some good
grades of cattle and hogs.
On August 26, 1884, Mr. Lash married Miss Emma Eckert. She
was born in Ohio, daughter of Sullivan and Rachel Eckert, who were
Ohio people and early settlers in Hancock County of that state. Mr.
and Mrs. Lash have four children : May Wilson is the wife of a teacher
at Mentone ; Mrs. Madge Jackson lives in Elkhart, where Mr. Jackson
is a ti-ain inspector for the Lake Shore Road; Raymond is a teacher
and farmer in Kosciusko County, and Gladys, the youngest, is still at
home.
Mr. Lash has always been interested in public affairs and by the
choice of his fellow citizens served two terms very capably in the office
of county commissioner. He is a republican, he and his wife are mem-
bers of the United Brethren church, and fraternally he is identified
with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Modern Woodmen
of America, and has held several of the ofBeial chairs in these fraternal
bodies.
Jerome H. Lones. It is truly the individual and exceptional case
when a man can point to nearly a third of a century of continuous serv-
ice for one organization or in one position. That was one of the dis-
tinctions of Mr. Lones' citizenship in Warsaw, where from August 30,
1883, until his death he was local agent for the Pennsylvania Railroad
. Company. To a great many people in Warsaw Mr. Lones during that
time was the Pennsylvania Railroad Company, having served as its
representative so long that to think of the Pennsylvania Company was
also to think of its genial and energetic agent. Furthermore, Mr.
Lones was very closely and actively identified with the material
progress and development of the city, and was one of the most highly
esteemed as he was one of the best known men of Warsaw.
The lesson of his career should not be lost as an example to young
men who have to take up the responsibilities of life with little train-
ing and with no influence to advance them. He was born on a farm
in Crawford County. Ohio, August 20, 1853, the eldest of the three
children of Harrison and Celia (Benson) Lones. When he was eight-
een months of age his parents moved out of Iowa by way of Cincinnati
and the Ohio and ilississippi rivers, but owing to the continued ill
health of his mother they remained only a short time and returned to
Ohio, taking up residence in Wyandotte County. There the father died
HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY 601
in 1859, and for a number of years thereafter the members of the lit-
tle household suffered many hardships and privations. In the mean-
time Jerome H. Lones managed to attend the local public schools and
gained the rudiments of an education. At the age of sixteen he left
home, and spent several months as a corn husker near Watseka, Illinois,
hut in the ensuing spring returned home and looked after the opera-
tion of the old homestead during the next season. However, he could
not content himself with the narrow horizon of an Ohio farm, and it
was through a better education that he could see the vista of greater
opportunities opening before him. By economy and hard work he
managed to pay his way for three years in the Northern Ohio College
at Ada, where he showed special proficiency and gained honors in
mathematics. While in college his mother died, and not long after-
wards he had to determine his future location. There were two forces
that appealed to him, either to gain a place as a bank cashier with its
consequent possibilities, or to engage in railroad service. Before he
could make a beginning in either career he needed business training,
and consequently taught school and with the earnings of that work
and with some money which he borrowed paid his way through the
long course at the Iron City Business College at Pittsburg, Pennsyl-
vania. Then during another season at home, when he dug ditches and
husked corn, he was finally able to attempt the realization of his
dreams. He went to Fort Wayne, made application for employment
with the Pennsylvania Company, but he was promptly refused owing
to his lack of knowledge of telegi-aphy. Undoubtedly one of the quali-
ties which enabled him to succeed was a persistency in the face of dis-
couragement. Turned back at one point, he applied for another line
of work, and finally went on the road as a freight brakeman. After
thirteen months he was given employment in the freight office as a
clerk, and was promoted to assistant cashier. Then, having demon-
strated his capabilities and his reliability, he came to Warsaw in 1883
as station agent. This position he ever afterward held, with credit to
himself and satisfaction to his company, and while nominally his du-
ties were the same, the responsibilities grew with the growth and de-
velopment of the city and its importance as a traffic center.
Unlike many men in the railroad service who are content to isolate
themselves from the community which they serve and become merely a
cog in the routine of the corporation which employs them, Mr. Lones
from the first identified himself with local citizenship. For yeai-s he
contributed from his means and his experience to the aid of all worthy
enterprises undertaken in Warsaw. He was one of the organizers of
the modern Commercial Club. He also helped in the organization and
was one of the principal stockholders and vice president of the Indi-
ana Loan and Trust Company. In polities he was always identified
with the republican party. Fraternally he was a thirty-second degree
Scottish Rite ]\Iason and a Knight Templar, and also a member of the
Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. For his helpmate through life he was
fortunate in the selection of Miss Jennie Logan, of Fort Waj^ne, whom
he married in 1878.
^Ir. Lones continued in the service of the Pennsylvania Railroad
602 HISTOKT OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY
Company until the date of his death, which occurred very suddenly,
after less than a week's sickness, on September 7, 1917. His memory
is respected and his death was mourned by the entire community.
He was laid away by the Knight Templars and his funeral was
largely attended by the citizens of Warsaw and representatives of the
Pennsj'lvania Railroad Company from all stations on the western divi-
sion.
Charlie A. Ht'ghs. One of the oldest families of Kosciusko
County is that of Hughs, which located here over eighty years ago.
The Hughs famih^ came to Indiana when it was a territory, more than
a century ago.
A splendid farm in Prairie Township, long owned by this family, is
now under the capable management and supervision of Charlie A.
Hughs, who is not only a general farmer but a breeder and shipper of
livestock, and as such is well known all over this part of the state. He
was born on the farm where he now lives September 10, 1879, son of
John W. and Prudence (Wallace) Hughs. John W. Hughs was born
in Prairie Township .January 11, 1851, a son of the original settler here.
Prudence Wallace was born in Kosciusko County July 6, 1854. The
parents since their marriage have lived on the old homestead in Prai-
■rie Township. John W. Hughs is a republican voter. Of their two
children one died at the age of three years.
Charlie A. Hughs has always lived at home, and was well educated
in the common schools and a business college at Warsaw. That he has
more than ordinary- responsibilities is manifest in the fact that he
super\-ises the farming of 287 acres and looks after a large number of
livestock. He pereonally owns 46i/'2 acres.
July 11, 1907, Mr. Hughs married Edith Kimes, a native of Plain
Township of this county, ilr. and Mrs. Hughs attend the Jlethodist
Episcopal Church. He is a republican and is affiliated with St. Leon
Lodge of the Knights of Pythias.
James Whitney Parker has lived in Kosciusko County most of his
life, and out of his experiences as a worker and farmer has accumu-
lated one of the most elTective farm estates in Tippecanoe Township, his
postoflfiee being North Webster. His farm is three miles southeast of
that village.
Mr. Parker was born near Lima in Allen County, Ohio, December
12, 1855. His parents were J. W. and Elizabeth (Lippencott) Parker.
The grandfather, Sylvester Parker, was a native of England, and at
the age of twenty-one he and his brother Herman Parker came to the
United States and settled in Seneca County, New York. They married
sisters, Sylvester marrying Elizabeth Harper, who was also a native
of England. They became the parents of seven children, J. W., Elias,
Martin. Silas, Jason, Cerenus and ^Martha.
J. W. Parker was born in Seneca County, New York, November 22,
1822. When a young man he went to Allen County, Ohio, married
there, and in 1863 brought his family to Kosciusko County. He mar-
ried Elizabeth Lippencott, daughter of Joseph and Eliza J. (Bland)
HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY 603
Lippencott. Eliza J. Bland was a native of Virginia and daughter of
a slave owner. Joseph Lippencott and wife moved to Allen County,
Ohio, where the.v lived until his death and his widow spent her last
years in Kosciusko County. J. W. Parker and wife had twelve
children including : Sylvenus, deceased : Joseph, who was in the
"West ; Hayman, of LaGrange County, Indiana ; James W. ; Mary,
wife of Henry Lentz; Sabrina, Anna and Emma, all deceased and
Albert of Starke County, Indiana.
James Whitney Parker was eight years old when his parents came
to Kosciusko Coiinty. and here he grew up, attending the district
schools in winter and working on the farm in summer. On March 22,
1885, he married Miss Ada A. Dorsey. Mrs. Parker was born in Darke
County, Ohio. November 22. 1863, daughter of William and Martha
J. (Coppeias) Dorsey. Her father was a native of Maryland and her
mother of Ohio. Mrs. Parker was two years old when her parents came
to Kosciusko County, where she grew up and received a district school
education. Mr. and Mi-s. Parker have four children : Lulu JI., born
in MRrch, 1886, is the wife of Vern Gross, of Turkey Creek Township ;
Roy is married and lives in Tippecanoe Township ; Ray is a graduate
of the common schools and is now a wireless operator in the United
States Navy : Edna M. is the wife of Robert Twants.
Mr. Parker is a republican voter. As a farmer he gives active su-
perintendence to the management of his sevent_y-six acres and is one
of the large producers of agricultural crops in this county. He is also
one of the Kosciusko County citizens who have made a profitable busi-
ness out of commercial poultry growing. Mr. and Mrs. Parker are
clever and obliging people and stand high socially in their community.
C. F. Starner. In these critical modern times it is results that
count, and the principal contributory factor toward getting results is
intelligently directed work. Kosciu.sko County ranks high among
Indiana's counties as an agricultural center, and one of the men who
has long carried a goodly share of respon.sibilities in this field is "Sir.
C. F. Starner, one of the progressive and up-to-date farmers of Plain
Township. His farm is a mile northeast of Leesburg.
Mr. Starner was born in Plain Township July 25, 1875, son of
George and Elizabeth (Fisher) Starner. His parents are still resi-
dents of the county and represent old time families here.
Mr. C. F. Starner was reared on a farm, had a district school edu-
cation, and at the age of seventeen left the parental roof to find work
on hisown responsibility. He worked at any employment that offered
an opportunity to earn an honest living, and for some four or five
years was connected with a threshing outfit. Later he bought his first
land and has thriftily improved his place until he now has a well ar-
ranged farm of 145 acres. Mr. Starner married Miss Viola Noel. They
have a family of seven daughters : Lucy, a graduate of high school ;
Cecil, who is a student in high school ; and Rilla, Hazel, Pauline, Mary
and Florence. Mr. Starner is a democrat in politics.
604 HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY
Manpord Morris. While his efforts for a number of years have
been concentrated upon the management of his farm and stocl^ ranch
in Turkey Creek Township, Manford Morris is a man of varied inter-
ests, is a stockholder in several banks and other concerns, and belongs
to one of the pioneer families of Indiana.
He was born in Noble County of this state February 12, 1871, a son
of Andrew J. and Lavina (Morrow) Morris. His father was bom in
Preble County, Ohio, November 6, 1828, and is still living at the vener-
able age of ninety. The grandfather, Biven Morris, was a pioneer of
Kosciusko County. He moved his family from Preble to Darke County,
Ohio, in 1834, and in 1838 came into the wilderness of Kosciusko
County and located in Turkey Creek Township. Biven Morris had the
distinction of being the fii-st trustee chosen to office in that township.
He entered a hundred acres of government land in section 2, and lived
there until 1880. Biven ]\Ion-is and wife had the following children ;
Lucinda, Andrew J., Isaac, John, Tolman, Barbara and Nancy.
Andrew J. Morris grew to maturity in Kosciusko Countj' and later
went out to Iowa where he married March 20, 1858. He brought his
wife back to Indiana and settled on a farm in Noble County, one mile
east from the homestead, where they lived together fifty-nine years.
January 20, 1917, Lavina, his wife, died at the age of eighty years.
She was a pioneer of Noble County, born near Ligonier December 22,
1836. She moved with her parents to Iowa in 1852, living there six
years. Mr. Morris served as county commissioner of Noble County
from 1900 to 1904. He and his wife had four children : J. C. Morris,
a farmer in Noble County; Mary J., wife of J. F. Eagles of Noble
County ; Sherman, also a Noble County farmer ; and Manford.
Manford Morris grew up on his father's farm in Noble County and
was educated in the district schools. He lived at home for a number
of years and on September 28, 1905, married Vada F. Sloan, daughter
of Jonathan and Sarah S. Sloan. She moved with her parents to Kos-
ciusko County in 1875. They have two children: Arthur J., born
January 6, 1909 ; and Marjorie Frances, who was born December 15,
1913, died August 10, 1917.
Mr. Morris' fann comprises 148 acres. It is a highly cultivated
place and is especially well known as the home of some high grade
Poland China hogs and Shorthorn cattle, in the breeding of which
he has been very successful. Mr. Morris is a stockholder in the Sparta
State Bank at Cromwell, Indiana, and is also a stockholder in a busi-
ness at Lebanon and is a member of the Farmers' Shipping Associa-
tion. He is affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at
Cromwell and was a charter member of Cromwell Lodge No. 408,
Knights of Pj'thias, and served as chancellor and a member of the
Grand Lodge. Politically he is a republican and was formerly a mem-
ber of the Township Advisory Board.
John Jones. It has been observed that the happiest nations are
those without history, and it is true of individuals as well. Some
of those who are most useful to themselves and their fellow men,
living their lives most simply and with utmost faithfulness to their
HISTOKY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY 605
duties and responsibilities, figure in few of the conspicuous and ab-
normal events which are so often celebrated in the newspaper col-
umns.
This was all true of the late John Jones, one of the kindliest and
best citizens of Seward Township. John Jones died at his home in
that township February 26, 1918, aged eighty-one years, eleven
months and twenty days. His farm, two miles southwest of Burket,
had been his home continuously for over half a eentur3^, his work
and sacrifice counted most in its improvement, and there he reared
his children, and with obligations all fulfilled he bore his last long
illness with Christian fortitude until the end.
He was bom in Coshocton County, Ohio, ilarch 8, 1836, a son
of Samuel and Patsy Jones. In 1863 he came to Indiana with his
brother Samuel Jones, and from that time forward Kosciusko County
was his home. His parents spent most of their lives in Ohio. His
father wa.s a native of Ohio and his mother of Marj'land. His father
died in 1854 and his mother in 1869.
]\Iareh 16, 1865, John Jones married Miss Nancy Hire, member
of one of the oldest prominent families of Kosciusko County. Her
parents were Rudolph and Hannah (Linsey) Hire, the former a
native of Ross County, Ohio, and the latter of Fayette County,
Ohio. Rudolph Hire and wife were married in Kosciusko County,
and then for a j-ear lived in Elkhart County, after which they re-
turned to a farm in Franklin Township of this county. Mrs. Jones'
father died at Burket in April, 1889. Her mother died at the home
of Mrs. Jones in April, 1909. There were eleven children in the
Hire family, and the four now living are : Isaac B. ; Lillie, wife of
Charles C. Eggleston, of California ; Alfred, a resident of Warsaw ;
and Mrs. Jones.
Mrs. Jones was reared on her father's farm in this county and
was educated in the common schools. She still lives on the old Jones
farm in Seward Township.
Mr. and Mrs. Jones had eight children: Clement A., who mar-
ried Mary Cook, and lives in Franklin Township ; Lugarda R., un-
married; Milton E., who married Jennie "Wilson and lives in Harri-
son Township ; Charles H., who married Stella Warren, and lives
at Burket; Rudolph G., who married Bessie Kesecker, and lives on
the old homestead; Myrtle, wife of George W. Dickey, of Harrison
Township; Vernon, who married Rohad Mollinhour of Franklin
TowTiship ; and Neva G., who was born March 6, 1892, and still lives
with her mother.
Mrs. Jones is a devout member of the United Brethren church at
Burket. Mr. Jones was converted to that faith in early manhood,
and lived an exemplary Christian life for forty-three years. He
was a democrat in politics.
Besides her own children. ]\Irs. Jones is comforted in her declin-
ing years by the presence of eighteen grandchildren and also four
great-grandchildren, besides many relatives and the hosts of friends
who esteem it a privilege to be accorded a place in the friendship o'
this kindly old lady.
606 HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY
Percy M. Bergen. Any locality or section is benefited by the in-
troduction of pro^essive useful enterprise from other regions. With-
out such admixture of other ideas and other methods any community
is bound to stand still.
One of Kosciusko County's leading stock farmers and feeders is
Percy M. Bergen, who came to this county from Iowa, where his father
has long been prominent in the stock feeding business and every year
sends cattle to the market by the train load. His father is owner of
extensive tracts of land in Iowa, and it was in that state that Perc3- M.
Bergen acquired his practical knowledge of farming and stock
husbandry.
Mr. Bergen was born in Benton County, Iowa, March 20, 1890, son
of William and Blanche (MartjTi) Bergen. He was reared on the
home farm, educated in common schools, and in 1907, entered Winona
College in Indiana, where he was graduated in 1911. Having a thirst
for adventure, he then enlisted in the Coast Artillery Service of the
United States Army and is now a retired army man with a creditable
record of three years' sei-viee and an honorable discharge. After leav-
ing the anny Jlr. Bergen came to Kosciusko County and bought the
farm where he now lives on route No. 6 in Wayne Township. He has
109 acres, and is following the practice of buying cattle and hogs in
Chicago and feeding them for market.
Mr. Bergen married Olive Mitterling, who was born in Kosciusko
County and is also a graduate of Winona School. They have two
children, ]\Iar.y and Jeanne. Mr. and ]\Irs. Bergen are members of the
Methodist Episcopal Church.
Charlie H. Hapner has been a well to do citizen of Kosciusko
County through his continued enterprise spread over a period of years
as a farmer. The farm which he now owns and which has become so
productive and profitable under his management is the place where he
spent his early life, known as the old Hapner farm in section 2 of
Monroe Township, a mile and a half south and three-quarters of a mile
west of Pierceton, on the rural route No. 3.
Mr. Hapner was born there IMarch 6, 1879, son of Henry C. and
Janette S. (Weston) Hapner. Henry C. Hapner was born in Mont-
gomeiy County, Ohio, October 13, 1831, and died August 11, 1915, at
the advanced age of eighty-four. He was a pioneer of Kosciusko
County, having located in Jackson Towniship in September, 1839.
After coming to the county some years later he married for his first
wife Sarah Zimmerman. In 1863 he moved to Monroe Township, and
here his first wife died. Their children were Jacob, Anna M., George,
Nancy C, Elmer, Nathan, Cyrus and Harrison. Henry C. Hapner
by his second wife had .iust one child, Charlie H. The mother of
Charlie H. Hapner was bom in Moni'oe Township and spent all her life
there. She died March 10, 1913. She was a member of the Disciples
Church at Salem. Henry C. Hapner was a farmer all his life, and at
the same time operated extensively as a thresherman and saw miller.
Charlie H. Hapner grew up on the old farm, and attended school in
District No. 10 in Washington Township. On October 8, 1898, he
HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY 607
married Miss Etta J. Clouse, who was born in ^Monroe Township No-
vember 2, 1880, daughter of Lewis and Ann (Idle) Clouse. Her father
was born in Monroe Township May 18, 1848, and died September 5,
1914. Her mother was born in Champaign County, Ohio, August 14,
1842, and died June 3, 1912, having been brought to Kosciusko County
at the age of sixteen. Both Mr. and Mrs. Clouse were active in the
Christian Church.
After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Hapner located upon the farm
where they have managed so industriously and have been so successful
in accumulating those things which make life comfortable and happy.
They have one daughter, Mildred M., born ilarch 9, 1902. She gradu-
ated from the common schools at the age of fourteen and is now a stu-
dent in the Pierceton High School. The family are members of the
Christian Church and have done much to sustain the various church
activities. Mr. Hapner is a republican but his citizenship has been
of the quiet kind, evidenced chiefly in voting and in doing his part un-
officially to support wise and well considered community enterprises.
William Shand is a native of Scotland, has lived in America
nearly half a century and has exemplified all the sturdy and keen traits
of his native land. He has been a successful farmer and is rated as one
of the men of achievement, intelligence and fine citizenship in Monroe
Township, where for a number of years he has owned a good farm com-
prising the northwest quarter of section 1 7.
His birth occurred in Forfarshire, Scotland, March 10, 1846, and
his parents, William and Elizabeth (Smith) Shand, spent most of
their lives in Scotland, but in 1872 came to tlm United States and lo-
cated at Troy, Missouri, where the father died. The mother passed
away in Indiana.
Mr. Shand grew to maturity in his native land, and attended
schools to the age of fourteen. After that he worked and had a good
deal of experience in making his own way in the world before he set
out for America in 1869. For a number of years Mr. Shand was a
resident of Missouri. He married there on October 10, 1872, Miss
Namev Pressley. She was bom September 12, 1856, ten miles from
Troy. Missouri, in Lincoln County, and was reared and educated there.
For five years after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Shand continued to
live in Missouri on a rented farm. In 1877 they came to Indiana and
were residents at Goodland for thirteen years. They moved in 1903
to IMonroe Township of Kosciusko County and bought the fine farm of
180 acres where they now reside and where they have been prospered
abundantly.
Mr. and Mrs. Shand have two sons, Frank, born March 1, 1874,
lives in Montana and married Gertrude Goldsbury. William A., born
June 4. 1893, is married and lives in Indiana. The family are niembers
of the Presbyterian Church and Mr. Shand is a republican.
Orange H. Bowman. Among the substantial people of Kosciusko
County with whom industry has been the keynote of their lives a fam-
ily of special interest is that of Orange H. Bowman. jMr. Bowman has
608 HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY
spent nearly all his life in Kosciusko County, and for a number of-
years was a very successful and talented teacher. He is now pro-
prietor of the Stony Brook Farm in Monroe Township near Pierceton,
and is performing that service which means so much in this present
critical time, supplying a large quantity of pure milk to the community
of Pierceton.
Mr. Bowman was born in ]\Ionroe Township of Kosciusko County
December 10, 1868, a son of Thomas and Eliza (Vandegrift) Bowman.
His parents were bom and reared and married in Stark County,
Ohio, and in 1868 moved to Kosciusko County, Indiana, where they
spent the rest of their lives. They had six children.
Orange H. Bowman was reared on a farm in Monroe Township,
had a common school education, and afterwards graduated from the
State Normal School and has a life certificate as a teacher. He did
some fine work in the schoolroom both as a teacher and school adminis-
trator, and at one time was superintendent of the ]Mentone and South
"Whitley schools. While his abilities were such as to justify his re-
maining in the educational profession, his hearing became impaired
and he had to abandon that vocation for farming. The Stony Brook
Farm comprises 133 acres a mile and a half from Pierceton in Monroe
Township. It is the home of a herd of fine Jersey cattle and ilr. Bow-
man has shown as much vigor and ability in managing his dairs- farm
as he formerly did in educational work. His farm largely supplies the
town of Pierceton with pure milk.
Mr. Bowman has six children : Emily, a graduate of the Illinois
University ; Thomas, a graduate of the local high school ; Eva, also a
high school graduate,' and now in training in Chicago for a nurse ; and
Agnes, Philip and David, who are still in school. ]\Ir. Bowman is
affiliated with the ilasonic Lodge and the Eastern Star, and in politics
is a republican.
EsTON E. McClintic has been a factor in the good citizenship of
Kosciusko County for a number of years and at Syracuse his business
has been as a contractor in the manufacture and handling of cement
products. He lias done much cement construction of all types, and his
contracts cover a wide area around Syracuse. It is a very successful
business and he is a man of such experience and ability as to carry
out fully and in detail every contract he undertakes.
He represents a family that has been in Kosciusko Count.v for
three generations. ]\Ir. McClintic was born in Turkey Creek Town-
ship July 12, 1875, a son of John and Lydia (Koher) McClintic. His
grandfather, Eston McClintic. came to Kosciusko County more than
eighty years ago and developed a homestead from the midst of the
wilderness. John ^IcClintic was bom in Turkey Creek Township
February 7, 1837. Lydia Koher was born ;\Iarch 19, 1849. They mar-
ried September 20, 1874, and then began housekeeping at the old
ilcClintic farm and homestead. John ]McClintic acquired that prop-
erty and he and his wife spent their years on it. He was an active
member of the United Brethren Church and a democrat in politics.
There were four sons in the family : Eston E. ; Charles F., bora Oc-
HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY 609
tober 28, 1876 ; Martin V., bom July 14, 1878, and now representing
the third generation of the family to live on the old homestead; and
John C, born February 22, 1885, lost his life by accident December
30, 1894.
Eston E. McClintic grew up on the home farm and attended dis-
trict school until the age of fourteen. He then started to make his own
way in the world and for a time was a farm laborer at wages of
ten dollars a month. On February 8, 1896, he married Miss Blanch
M., a daughter of Daniel and Rebecca Angel Searfoss. Mrs. McClintic
was born in Turkej'^ Creek Township November 13, 1880. Her father
was born in Pennsylvania March 2, 1849, and her mother in Turkey
Creek Township in 1853. Both are still living.
Mr. and Mi-s. McClintic have five children: John B.,,born Sep-
tember 6, 1896, married Velma Poppenfos ; Harry D., born February
3, 1901; Elizabeth, born January 7, 1909; Charles born March 20,
1913; James W., born June 12, 1915. The family are members of the
United Brethren Church and Mr. McClintic is trustee of the par-
sonage. He is affiliated with Syracuse Lodge No. 454, Free and Ac-
cepted Masons, and the Royal Arch Chapter No. 124. He has always
taken a keen interest in local ai?airs, and is considered one of the men
of influence in the democratic party in his section of the county.
Jonas H. Allsbaugh has been one of the useful citizens in Kosci-
usko County for many years. The medium through which he has given
his most productive service is as a farmer and stockman. Mr. Alls-
baugh 's home farm is in section 16 of Jackson Township, three and
one half miles north of Manchester and four and one half miles south-
west of Sidney. Besides his eighty acres there he has eighty acres just
over the Wabash County line in Chester Township. What he has today
he has made largely through his industry and thrifty energy, and has
never asked for opportunities and privileges that were not open to
every other man. Mr. Allsbaugh has made something of a specialty
of the breeding of Duroc hogs. He was born in Montgomery County,
Ohio, October 20, 1863, a son of John and Rebecca (Horning) Alls-
baugh. His father was born at Berne, Switzerland, and came to the
United States when about twenty-five years of age. He had worked at
and learned the trade of miller in the old country, and though paid ex-
ceedingly meager wages he saved enough to bring himself and a brother
to the United States. He first located at Cincinnati, Ohio, and en-
gaged in the dairy business, but soon lost all he had in that venture.
From there he moved to Montgomery County, and found employment
on a farm at eight dollars a month. A few years later his wages were
raised to $100 a year, and he eventually married the daughter of his
employer. She was a native of Pennsylvania. They rented a farm
for a time and eventually they left Ohio, and started on a journey
across country with wagons and teams bound for Kansas. The little
property he had he traded for forty acres of Kansas land, but later
returned to Indiana and settled three miles southeast of North Man-
chester. Later he rented another farm, and finally bought eighty
acres and on that homestead spent the rest of his life. He and his
610 HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY
wife were members of the Progressive Dunkard Church. There are
six children: Edwin, a farmer five and one half miles southeast of
North Manchester ; Jonas H. ; Martha, wife of Elmont Kosher, of
North Manchester; Emma, unmarried; Ella, wife of T. E. Reed, of
Hope, Indiana ; and Delia, unmarried and living at Akron, Ohio.
Jonas H. Allsbaugh grew up on his father's farm in Wabash
Comity, attended the district schools there, and at the age of twenty
started out for himself. Like his father he also worked by the month
on farms, and earned his living in that way for five years.
December 28, 1887, Mr. Allsbaugh married Miss Nancy D. Scholl.
She was born in LaGrange County, Indiana, June 10, 1866, and was a
small girl when her parents moved to Wabash County, where she
grew up and received her ediieation in the district schools. They have
two children : Verling R., a graduate of the common schools "and is
now running the old Allsbaugh farm in Wabash County. He married
Lydia Heater. Orin K., tlie second son, is a graduate of the local
schools, attended high school, and is now in the Great Lakes Naval
Training Station at Chicago.
The Allsbaugh family are active members of the Antioch Christian
Church. Politically he is a republican.
John S. Vanderveer is a sterling representative of the agricultural
interests of Kosciusko County, and in his work lias exemplified
many of the careful, industrious and methodical traits of the people
of Holland, of which countrj' he is a native.
]\Ir. Vanderveer was born in Holland June 22, 1869, a son of Se-
brant and Gertrude (Gilstraa) Vanderveer. These honest Dutch par-
ents brought their family to America in 1871, seeking better opportuni-
ties for them, and located in Elkhart County. The mother died there
October 22, 1873, and the father aftei-wards moved to Kosciusko
County and died here in 1907. Thej- had five children, two of whom
died in Holland. The two stilU living besides John S. are Richard,
a lawyer and a member of the Warsaw bar, and Edith, wife of John 0.
Sheets of Elkhart County.
John S. Vanderveer was two years old when brought to America
and he has no conscious recollections of his native land. He grew
up on a farm, was educated in the common schools, and from early life
has been dependent upon his own resources. The prosperity he has
accumulated is the result of his energy- and the eft'ective co-operation
of his good wife. His home comprises eighty acres of good land in
section 2 of Jefferson Township.
Mr. Vanderveer married Elizabeth Brown, who died leaving no
children. For his second wife he married Ella Overholt, and they have
two children living and one dead, Howard R., who was born in 1909,
and died in 1910. The two living are Merrill 0., born in 1911, and
Verda Maree, born in 1914. Mrs. Vanderveer is an active church
member, and in polities Mr. Vanderveer votes as a democrat.
Conrad D. Longenecker. The position which Conrad D. Longe-
necker has occupied during the last five years as county clerk of Kos-
HISTOKY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY 611
ciusko County is in the nature of a consistent tribute not only to his
individual and personal qualifications for that office, but also to the
high standing of the Longenecker family, which has been identified
with this section of Northern Indiana for more than sixty years, and
has exemplified some of the best virtues of manhood and good citizen-
ship.
The old Longenecker homestead was near North "Webster, and it
was on the farm there that Conrad D. Longenecker was born March 18,
1859. He was one of four children, and all of them are still livina:.
Their parents were Isaac and Sarah (Brumbaugh) Longenecker, early
representatives of that sterling stock of early settlers known as German
Baptists or Dunkards. Isaac Longenecker, who was born in Juniata
County, Pennsylvania, came to Kosciusko County in 1852, bringing
with him his wife and two children. He settled in Tippecanoe Town-
ship and while living there accumulated a fine farm and en.ioyed the
best of reputation among his fellow men. He had grown up im-
pressed by the teachings of honesty, truthfulness and industry, prac-
ticed those qiialities all his life, and was a lover of country and mani-
fested a deep veneration for the Almighty. He took no active part in
politics but gave his life to his home and to the endeavors in which
he was successful to provide liberally and wisely for his loved ones.
His death occurred January 24, 1888, while his widow passed away
January 21, 1906. When the Longenecker family came to Kosciusko
County much of the land was still wild and unimproved, and Isaac
Longenecker deserves credit for bringing a large number of acres
from the dominion of the wilderness into fruitful crops.
Not all the hard work had been accomplished on the old homestead
when Conrad D. Longenecker grew to years where his work could be
utilized. Almost as far back as he could remember he was employed at
some task on the home farm, and his early education was limited to
winter terms of the district schools. He lived at home with his parents
until the age of twenty-five and had in that time learned and thor-
oughly practiced the principles of honest.v, industry and thrift upon
which he has relied for his advancement through the world.
On November 20, 1884, he married ^liss Amanda Stull, whose peo-
ple were among the earliest settlers of Elkhart County. After his
marriage Mr. Longenecker took up farming on his own responsibilities
and combined that with the carpenter trade, which he learned and in
which he became skillful as a young man. From his farm he was
called into the county seat of Warsaw by his election to the office of
county clerk in 1910, and has now given five years of much appre-
ciated service in that office. He still owns eighty acres of farming
land, and is one of the county's highly successful and popular citizens.
In politics he is a republican, and he and his wife are members of
the Progressive Dunkard Church. Not least among his distinctions is
the fine family of children whom he and his wife have brought into the
world and have endeavored to give the best of training and advantages.
Their names are : Charles I. ; Beatrice, Mrs. I. C. Harbaugh ; William
R. ; Rose ; Claude M. ; Chester M. ; Opal ; Fern ; and Gerald H.
612 HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY
Robert C. Irwin is a member of the Irwin family that has been
identified with Kosciusko County for over half a ceuturj- and his own
life, beginning at manhood without capital, has been made effective
through his energy and industry, so that he has been able to provide
his family with the comforts of a good farm and home. His farm is in
Prairie Township on rural route No. 5 and eight miles northwest of
Warsaw.
Mr. Irwin was born in Logan County, Ohio, June 11, 1851, son of
Stewart and Sarah A. (Richie) Irwin. The parents were both natives
of Ireland. His mother came to the United States at the age of nine-
teen, and his father when a young man. After their man-iage they
lived on a farm six miles northwest of Bellefontaine in Logan County,
Ohio, until 1856, and then brought their family to Kosciusko County.
In Washington To^vnship near Wooster they bought 160 acres, but
sold that in 1863 and for a year owned a place of 160 acres near North
Webster. Selling this, the family settled in Prairie Township April 4,
1864, and that was the home of the parents the rest of their years.
Stewart Irwin died in Harrison Township and his wife passed awaj-
October 12, 1917. He was a republican in politics. Their children
still living are as follows: Robert C; John R., a farmer north of At-
wood ; William G., who also lives north of Atwood ; Sarah, wife of
Frank Harmon ; James S., whose home is in Wisconsin ; and Sherman
C, of Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Robert C. Irwin spent his boyhood from the age of five years in
Washington, Tippecanoe and Prairie townships of this county, and
during the winter terms attended the neighboring district schools. He
was well prepared for the responsibilities of life by training at home,
but when on October 25, 1873, he married Ellen J. Bradley he had no
capital that would suffice for an independent existence. Therefore,
they adapted themselves to circumstances and began housekeeping in
a log building. He worked at anything that he could find, rented land,
and by much work and thrift accumulated the means which enabled
him to buy sixt.y acres of the land where he now lives.
^Irs. Irwin died July 24, 1893. She was the mother of seven chil-
dren, five of whom are still living: Clark W., a graduate of the common
and high schools, married C. Hawley, a graduate of high school ;
Charles W., who is married and lives in Wisconsin ; Thomas C. un-
married and at home: Howard, who is married and lives in North
Dakota ; Fay, wife of Frank Huffer of Prairie Township. Mr. Irwin
is a member of the Ancient Order of Gleaners, and has been satisfied
merely to vote as a republican without aspirations for public office.
A. H. Brown is one of the live and highly successful business men
of Leesburg. He came to Kosciusko County in 1890, being at that
time a young man of twenty-seven years who, however, had never
accumulated any money as a result of his varied experiences and hard
work. He continued his hard working plan after coming to the county,
helped operate a threshing machine outfit, but laid the foundation of
his real success by using his experience and native ability as a trader.
Mr. Brown is regarded by his frieiids and associates as almost infalli-
HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY 613
ble in his business judgment, and the large amount of property he
has amassed is proof that his friends are well justified in making the
He is one of the leading farmers around Leesburg and is still
extensively engaged in real estate. Mr. Brown owns a 540-acre farm
in Plain township, has 200 acres in Wayne Township, owns a large
amount of valuable property in Turkey Creek Township, and has a big
business as a hardware and building material merchant at Leesburg.
He also owns a section of land in North Dakota.
He was born in Carroll County, Indiana, October 12, 1853, son of
Thomas and Charlotte (Wells) Brown. His father was born in Ha-
gerstown, Maryland, while the mother was a native of Dayton, Ohio,
and they married in that state. On moving to Indiana they located
in Carroll County and spent their last years in Cass County, Mich-
igan, where they died. His father was a farmer and the mother was
active in the United Brethren Church. Of the nine children only
four are still living : Jennie, widow of Loren Moody ; Lucy, widow
of William Van Norman ; William H., a resident of Dowagiac, Mich-
igan ; and A. H. Brown.
Mr. A. H. Brown married Miss Fannie Ni.xon. They had one
daughter, Ilah M., who is a graduate of the Leesburg High School and
is the wife of F. D. Irwin. Mr. Brown lost his wife in 1885, and now
lives with his daughter. He is affiliated with the Elks Lodge at War-
saw and in polities is a republican.
Calvin A. Poor. The name of Calvin A. Poor is familiar among
the agriculturists of Kosciusko County as belonging to one of its most
industrious citizens and a man who occupies a high position in busi-
ness circles. He has been the architect of his own fortune, having
made his owa way in the world from a modest beginning, and has
proven a fine example of the beneficial results of patient industry, a
wise economy and well-directed judgment. While he is practically
retired from active affairs, having passed the age of three score and
ten years, he is still interested in the advancement and prosperity of
his community, in which practically all of his life has been passed, and
the growth and development of which he has watched and fostered.
Mr. Poor was born in Jackson County, Ohio, September 13, 1844,
and is a son of John and Sabina (Crarey) Poor, his grandfather being
Hugh Poor, who died in the Buckeye State. John Poor was born in
Ohio in 1810, and in early life learned the trade of shoemaker, which
time-honored vocation he followed during his early years. However,
he decided that agriculture offered better opportunities for success,
and accordingly, in 1847, he gathered together his possessions, and
with his family came to Kosciusko County, settling on a farm in the
near vicinity of Warsaw. Here he labored faithfully and indus-
triously to such good purpose that he accumulated 240 acres of land,
which iie improved with good farm structm-es, and which was his home
at the time of his death, in 1894. While Mr. Poor was not what would
be termed a scholar at this time, he was fairly well read and educated
for his day, and his sterling qualities of character fully made up for
614 HISTOEY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY
auy book learning which he might have lacked. He was a faithful
member of the ilethodist Episcopal Church and took an active and
helpful part in its work, as did also his wife, and his children were
reared in that faith. Mr. Poor was a republican, but not a politician,
while his fraternal affiliation was with the Masons. While still a
resident of Ohio Mr. Poor was married to Miss Sabina Crarey, who
was born in Virginia, in 1814, and died at the age of seventy years in
Kosciusko County, and they became the parents of eight children, of
whom five are living, as follows: Mary, who is the widow of Eli
Hayden and resides in the State of Oregon ; David, who is engaged
in agricultural operations in Kosciusko County ; Calvin A. ; Susanna,
who is the wife of Mr. Pike and lives on the old homestead ; and Ellen,
who is Mrs. Rudolph Huffer, and also lives on the old famil.v place.
Calvin A. Poor received his education in the country schools of
Kosciusko County, and like other farmers' sons of his day and locality
when not employed with his books was expected to devote himself to
the cultivation of the homestead land. He grew to manhood with the
ambition and determination to become a good farmer, and remained
under the training of his father until long after he had reached his
majority. Mr. Poor established a home of his own at the time of his
marriage, in 1875, to Miss Mary 0. Stinson, who was born in Kos-
ciusko County, Indiana, daughter of John W. Stinson, one of the early
settlers of this county, who still resides here at an advanced age.
Mr. Poor came to his present property in 1885, and during thirty
years has brought about many changes. He has a full set of commo-
dious, modern buildings, equipped with every implement for the expe-
ditious and thorough cultivation of the soil, and during the period
of his active career devoted himself principally to general farming,
raising corn, wheat, oats and hay. This eighty-acre farm, one of the
most valuable of its size in the locality, is now being rented, Mr. Poor
having practically retired from active life. He is a republican in his
political views, and he and Mrs. Poor are faithful members of the
Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Poor's life has been a long, full
and useful one, and he is eminently entitled to the comfort and rest
which he now enjoys, as well as to the respect and regard of his fellow-
citizens, among whom he has lived so long.
Charles W. Tucker has known Kosciusko County as his home all
his life and is junior partner of the firm Downer & Tucker, furniture
dealers and undertakers at Claypool.
Mr. Tucker was born in Seward Township of this county February
26, 1873, a son of Joshua and Catherine (Hartung) Tucker. His
father was born in Wabash Coimty, Indiana, in 1844, and served four
years as a soldier of the Union Army, enlisting as a boy and coming
out of the war when scarcely of age. After the war he came to Kos-
ciusko County, married, and settled in Seward Township, and lived
there until his death. Though he began life poor, he gave a good
account of his abilities and services and developed a good farm
of 120 acres. His wife was born in Pennsylvania in 1843.
They had ten children, all of whom are still living, five sons and five
HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY 615
daughters, namely: Lewis; Charles W. ; Ellis; Otis C. ; Ova E. ; Dora,
wife of Fred McCherry; Phiella J., wife of Orville Blue; Leona, wife
of Justin Bunner ; Zuda K. ; and Jlertie Wertenberger.
Mr. Charles W. Tucker grew up on his father's farm and had a
district school education. He married Miss Birdie W. Arnold, who
was born in Claypool and was educated in the schools of that village.
They have had six children. Merle, Clarice (deceased), Jennie,
Chauneey, Mahlon and Eva. Mr. Tucker is a past noble grand of the
Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He votes as a republican. Be-
sides his business he is a stockholder in the local bank at Claypool.
Otis C. Dick is a native of Kosciusko County, and has proved
his worth and value to his community as a hard worker and progressive
young business man. He is now secretary and treasurer and manager
of the Claypool Lumber and Coal Company.
Mr. Dick was bom in Clay Township, November 13. 1881, a son of
Ira and Flora (Marshall) Dick, the former a native of Ohio and the
latter of Kosciu.sko County. Tra Dick has for many years been one
of the skillful carpenters of Clay Township. He is a democrat and a
member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. In the family were
two children, Otis C. and Jlattie.
Otis C. Dick attended the village schools of Cla.ypool until finishing
the work of the common schools, and then started out to make his own
living and way in the world. He learned the trade oC carpenter, and
worked at it several years. He then entered the service of a local lum-
ber company at Claypool, and at the end of eighteen months was made
manager. When the company was incorporated he was elected secre-
tar.y and treasurer.
Mr. Dick married Florence Linn. They have two children, Robert
and Herbert. They are active members of the Methodist Episcopal
Church, and Mr. Dick is past noble grand of Claypool Lodge, No. 515,
of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and has sat in the Grand
Lodge. He is also past commander of the Knights of the 3Iaecabees.
Politically he votes as an independent.
Michael A. Caupfman. Though not a native son of Kosciusko
County, Michael A. Cauffman has lived here since early childhood, and
is a member of a family whose activities have made them during the
last half century among the most prominent and substantial citizens
of Clay Township.
Mr. CaufiPman was born in ilichigan June 5, 1859, son of John and
Eva (Sellers) Cautfman. His parents were born and married in Penn-
sylvania, and after their marriage moved west to Michigan and lived
in the vicinity of Niles about five years. They then came tn Clay
township, and bought the land in section 29 where their son Michael
now lives. John Cauffman was not only a capable farmer, but was a
minister of the Evangelical Church, and continued preaching until
overtaken by advanced age. He was a republican, but was satisfied
merely to vote. He was twice married, and had four children by his
first wife, all now deceased, and nine by the second marriage, six of
616 HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY
whom are still living: Michael A.; Amelia, wife of Jacob 0. Deaton,
of ClajTDOol ; Levi F., of Lake Township ; Nancj', wife of Richard
Brown, of Nebraska; Pierce, roadmaster for the Big Pour Railway
Com]:)ai).v, with headquarters at Wabash, Indiana; and John A., who
is the present trustee of Clay Township.
Michael A. Cauffman grew up on the farm where he now lives and
attended the district schools until he was about thirteen years old.
After that he lived at home and helped work the farm until twenty-
four.
In September, 1886, he married iliss Elizabeth Bause, who was
born in Seward Township of this county, a daughter of George Bause.
Alter their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Cauffman lived twelve years on a
farm two and one half miles east of Claypool. They then moved into
the village of Claypool and he worked there and in the vicinity until
the spring of 1900, when he bought the old homestead, and his capable
management of this farm of eighty-nine acres has given him his most
solid prosperity.
Mr. and Mrs. Cauffman have four children. Tressie B., a graduate
of the common schools, is the wife of Eli Smith, of Clay Township.
Elsie G., a graduate of high school and a former teacher, is now the
wife of Lawrence Beigh, of Clay Township. Foster "\Y. is a graduate
of the common and high schools, also taught for a time, and is now a
farmer in Clay Township. He married Testa Arnold. Lester R., a
graduate of high school, lives in Lake Township and married Ruth
Garman. All of Mr. Cauffman 's children are farmei-s. He has one
grandchild. Mr. Cauffman is a republican.
James F. Denny settled on his present farm four and one half
miles southeast of Claypool, in Clay Township, thirty years ago, and
although he and his wife began as renters, they have since aeciuired the
land and done much to develop it in value and facilities. Mr. Denny
has not only prospered in a business way, but is father of a family
that does him credit, and altogether the Denn.ys are people much above
the average in education, general intelligence, and in their usefulness
to themselves and their community.
jMr. Denny was born on the farm that he now owns March 4, 1863,
a son of James and Luciuda (Fisher) Denny. His father was born
in North Carolina in 1826 and died February 22, 1867, his death being
the result of an accident while he was loading logs. His wife was born
in Seneca County, Ohio, in 1840, and died October 14, 1912. Both
the Denny and Fisher families came to Indiana in early days and
James and Lucinda were reared here, and after their marriage settled
in Wabash County, but later moved to the farm in Clay Township
where they spent their last years. Mi-s. Lucinda Denny was an active
member of the Christian Church. Of their seven children five are still
living: Emanuel F., a banker and cattle man of Nebraska; Elizabeth,
wife of Henry Crider, living in Kansas ; Joseph, of Elkhart, Indiana ;
James F. ; and Rosella, wife of Oscar Feigley, of Wisconsin.
James F. Denny grew up on the old homestead and early learned
its duties in barn and field, working industriously every summer while
HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY 617
the winters were spent attending the district school. On March 10,
1888, a few days after his twenty-fifth birthday, he married Miss
Letti'e V. Corrall. Mrs. Denny was born in Kosciusko County and was
educated here in the local schools. After their marriage they located
on the farm of 120 acres which their united thrift and industry en-
abled thcin to buy later, and here they have made their success in life
and enjoy the esteem of an entire community. Mr. Denny is also a
stockholder in the Packertown Elevator Company. He is independent
in politics and his wife is a member of the United Brethren Church at
Claypool.
Their six children are: Roy, who is married and lives at Three
Rivers, Michigan ; Cecil, wife of William Richardson, of South Whit-
lev, Indiana ; Prudy, wife of George Petrie, of Clay Township ; Da-
frema, wife of Ermon McGown, of Harrison Township; James, who
is in the service of the United States Government in Texas ; and Sparks,
who lives on the home farm with his father and married Clara Shull.
Mr. and Mrs. Denny also have eight grandchildren.
George Merkle. There seems to be no limit to what a man may
achieve and the forces and instruments of industry he may come to
control provided he has the proper equipment of intelligence and
industry and directs his efforts in the right place and with sufficient
persistency. Thus twenty-five or thirty yeai-s ago George Merkle was
known to only a small community in his native State of Illinois as a
hard-working tenant farmer. Nearly every one in Kosciusko County
knows him in the role of an extensive farmer and land owner, banker
and business man, one of the men most directly concerned and inter-
ested in the business affaii-s of Claypool.
l\Ir. Merkle 's home farm is three and one fourth miles southeast of
Claypool. He was born in Iroquois County, Illinois, June 30, 1868,
son"of Christ and Helen (Thascher) Merkle. His parents are both now
deceased and their lives were spent as Illinois farmers. George Merkle
grew up on a farm, had a district school education, supplemented by
commercial and preparatory courses in the Grand Prairie Seminary,
and his life was spent quietly at home until twenty-one.
His marriage to Jennie Wallace, of the same county and state,
brought him a most valued companion and coadjutor, and together
thev have solved many of the problems and difficulties that vexed their
progress. Mr. and Mrs. Merkle farmed on the renting plan for eight
years. For ten years or more Mr. Merkle supplemented his earnings
by teaching school. After realizing some capital in Illinois, he sold
his interests and moved to some of the cheaper lands of Paulding
County, Ohio. He was in that section about two years, and in 1907
came to Kosciusko County, where he bought his present place of 300
acres. Since then his business interests have reached out in various
other directions.
Mr. Merkle was one of the organizers and from the first has been
president of the State Bank of Claypool. The other officers and
directors are: J. 0. Deaton, vice president; E. W. Kinsey, cashier;
and Leroy W. Caldwell, secretary of the Board of Directors.
618 HISTOEY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY
Mr. Merkle is also president of the Farmers Elevator Company
at Packertown. Levi Frnit is vice president, W. M. Reed is secretary,
and the other directors are Samuel Smith and Ode Fisher.
Mr. and Mrs. Merkle have five children : Roy, born in 1897 ;
Frank, born in 1899 ; Alice, born in 1907 ; George, born in 1909 ; and
Robert, born in 1916. Mrs. Merkle is a member of the Catholic
Church. Mr. Merkle is affiliated with the Odd Fellows Lodge at
Claypool.
Jacob 0. Deaton. Clay Township, the village of Claypool, and
all that section of Kosciusko County have in many waj's been impressed
by the abilities and influence of ihe Deaton famil.y, who have lived
here over half a centur\'. Few names recur more frequently in the
annals of that locality.
The old Deaton homestead of 200 a^^res. a mile and a half
east of Claypool, is now owned and managed by Jacob 0. Deaton. who
when a youth had the responsibility of helping his widowed mother
and the other children in lifting the heavy incumbrance upon the farm,
and after those obligations were cleared away Mr. Deaton settled down
to a life of prosperity and vigorous agricultural management which
continues to the present time.
His great-grandparents were George W. and Susanna (Ream)
Deaton. George W. Deaton was born in Botetourt County, Virginia,
in 1785, and died in that state in 1826. His wife was also' a native of
Virginia. During the War of 1812 he bore arms for his country, and
after his death his widow moved to Clark County, Ohio, taking with
her six sons and three daughters. She died there in 1867. All her
children grew up and became well to do and prosperous citizens.
William Deaton. grandfather of Jacob 0. Deaton. was proprietor
of a saw mill in Clark County, Ohio, and spent his life there. William
Deaton married Catherine Leffel, and their oldest son was George W.
Deaton.
The founder of the family in Kosciusko County w^s George W.
Deaton, who was born and reared in Clark County, Ohio. March 9,
1856, he married Miss Frances Fortney, a daughter of Jacob and Ann
(Knoops) Fortney. In March, 1863. George W. Deaton brought his
family to Kosciusko County and settled in Clay Township on land
now owned by his son Jacob 0. He continued to live in that locality
the rest of his life. He and his wife were verj- active members of the
Mount Pleasant Episcopal Church, and he was chorister and other-
wise active in the chiirch service. He was prominent in local repub-
lican politics, had much eloquence as a speaker, and in 1872 his per-
sonal popularity enabled him to overcome the nonnal democratic
majority of eighty, and he had the distinction of being the first repub-
lican elected trustee of Clay Township. He was also a charter mem-
ber of the Grange at Claypool. He was a hard worker, and but for the
fact that his life came to a close when still in the prime of his years
he would doubtless have accumulated a large estate. As it was he left
to his family over 200 acres of land, and they assumed and
paid off the obligation. George W. Deaton and wife had eight chil-
HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY 619
dren: William S., born October 15, 1856, died December 25, 1871;
Jacob 0., born August 26, 1858; Mary B., bom December 12, 1860, and
died October 10, 1862 ; John E., born October 16, 1862 ; Sherman S.,
born February 23, 1865 ; Ulysses Grant, born May 19, 1867, and died
May 31, 1918 ; Cyrus B., born July 29, 1869 ; and Charles G., born
April 1, 1874.
Jacob 0. Deaton was born'in Clark County, Ohio, and was about
five years of age when his parents came to Kosciusko County. He
grew up here, attended the common schools, and was nineteen years
of age when his father died. He remained at home, and worked stead-
ily until $8,000 was cleared off the homestead, and for that time he
received wages of .$100 a year. He now owns 200 acres of the old
homestead, having greatly improved and enhanced the value of the
property, and now owns one of the most complete modern rural estates
in the county.
August 21, 1883, Mr. Deaton married Miss Mealy Cauffman, a sis-
ter of Mr. J. A. Cauffman, elsewhere noted in this work. Mr. and Mrs.
Deaton have nine children: George W., born June 2, 1884; John L.,
born September 23, 1885 ; Florence E., born June 1, 1888, wife of Carl
Haines ; Fluella B., born June 16, 1890, and now the wife of Horace
Tucker, grandson of Horace Tucker; Pern C, bom March 30, 1892,
a former school teacher and now the wife of Ernest Carr, of Lake
Township; Sherman B., born February 5, 1895, a former school
teacher but now a farmer ; Ruth A., born November 23, 1896, and also
a teacher; Orie B., born July 29, 1898, who has taught school two
terms; and Delphia, born March 7, 1903.
The family are active members of the Methodist Episcopal Church
at Claypool. Mr. Deaton is affiliated with the Knights of the Maccabees,
and is one of the influential republicans of this part of the county. He
served as committeeman from 1880 to 1912, and was a member of the
county commissioners from 1900 to January, 1907.
Besides his farm Mr. Deaton now gives much of his time to the
State Bank of Claypool, which he helped organize in 1917. The
officers of the bank are George Merkle, president; J. 0. Deaton, vice
president ; E. W. Kinsey, cashier ; while the other directors are Boyd
Popham; Leroy Caldwell, Emery Metzger, Theodore Parker.
John A. Pittenger. As breeder and raiser of thoroughbred
Shropshire sheep, Berkshire hogs, Belgian horses and Shorthorn cattle,
John A. Pittenger has a reputation far beyond the limits of Kosciusko
County. Men far and near are accustomed to making more or less
regular trips to the Big Oak Stock Farm in order to secure the finest
pedigreed strains for improving their own herds. Mr. Pittenger 's
farm in Wayne Township is a model place of its kind, and its improve-
ments and adaptation to the uses of modern stock raising are the
results of an exceptional degi-ee of enterprise on his part. He has
spent money, patience and labor in laying the foundation of his various
herds, and when it is considered how many years he has spent in this
business and how carefully he has studied it it is a matter of no sur-
prise that his stock on exhibition has taken more first premiums than
620 HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY
have been bestowed upon any other individual stock breeder in the
county.
The Pittenger is a well known and prominent old family of Kos-
ciusko County. Mr. Pittenger was born on the farm he now owns May
20, 1863, son" of A. D. and Asenath (Poulson) Pittenger. He grew
up here, his education coming from the common schools and the
Warsaw High School. Mr. Pittenger* married Vera Elder, also a
native of Kosciusko County. They have three children: Ada F.,
Allen Dean and Vera. Mr. Pittenger is affiliated with the Improved
Order of Red Men.
As a fanner he started early to develop good grades of livestock,
and at first handled Shorthorn cattle exclusively. Gradually he has
broadened his enterprise to include cattle, hogs, horses and sheep. His
horses are all registered Belgian Percherons with recorded pedigrees
recognized in all the registers of this country and abroad. He has
exhibited his stock at all the county fairs, and is himself an authority
on some fine points of the various strains which he has developed. Mr.
Pittenger owns two fine farms, his homestead being registered under
the name of Oak Stock Farm.
Rev. John B. Dunkleberger. The esteem and respect paid to Rev.
John B. Dunkleberger is not confined to the people of Kosciusko
County. As a minister of the Gospel he has served communities in
various sections of Indiana and in other states, but at the same time
has carried on progressive farming as a resident of Monroe Township
for many years. Rev. ]\Ir. Dunkleberger 's home is nine miles south-
east of Warsaw, and he is one of the foremost citizens of that locality.
He was born in Wayne Township of this county April 9, 1867, son
of Daniel and Hannah V. (Peterson) Dunkleberger. His father was
born in Pennsylvania and his mother in Ohio, and they married in the
latter state and subsequently came to Kosciusko County and found a
tract of farming land in Wayne Township southeast of Warsaw, where
they were quiet and industrious and prosperoiis people the rest of their
lives. Both were members of the United Brethren Church. Of their
ten children eight are still living : Samuel, a retired farmer in Arkan-
sas ; William, a minister of the Christian Church living in Arkansas ;
Daniel, a preacher in the same church in Missouri ; Andrew, of Clay-
pool, Indiana; Hannah V., who is married and lives in Wyoming;
David L., a minister of the Christian Church at Shelbyville, Indiana ;
John B. ; and Mrs. Martha B. Black, of Oklahoma.
John B. Dunkleberger grew up on the old farm in Wayne Town-
ship and afterwards supplemented the education he acquired in the
district schools with theological and literary studies in various locali-
ties. He spent two years in the Theological School at Canton, Missouri.
He was ordained to the ministry of the Christian Church in Kosciusko
County, but the first seven years of his practical ministry were spent
in Iowa. On returning to Indiana he had charge of churches at St.
Joseph and Newville. Then for seven years he did farming and
preaching alternately.
On Januan' 22, 1888, ^Ir. Dunkleberger married Anna E. Pot-
HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY 621
teiiger. Mrs. Dunkleberger, a daughter of William K. Pottenger, was
born on the farm where she now lives and was educated in the district
schools. They are the parents of two children : Rnssell H. and Edith
M. Russell is a graduate of the public schools, has attended Val-
paraiso Universitj' and Winona Lake Schools, and is a teacher. Edith
has acquired a good education in the public schools and has had three
years of musical training. One child of Rev. Mr. Dunkleberger and
wife is deceased. He carries insurance with the North American
Union, and in politics is a republican. As a farmer Mr. Dunkleberger
is successfully applying his efforts to the management of a hundred
acres of land, and operates it as a general farm, with good livestock
as the chief source of his revenue.
John A. Cauffman. No one could spend much time in Clay
Township without coming to know or know of John A. Cauffman, one
of the older residents, a capable and thrifty farmer, and a man whose
usefulness has made him an important factor in the community's wel-
fare. Mr. Cauffman is now serving as township trustee.
He was born in Clay Township January 28, 1864, son of John and
Eva (Sellers) Cauffman, both of whom were natives of Juniata
County, Pennsylvania. They grew up and married there, and after
their marriage lived about five years in Michigan, and from there
moved to Kosciusko County and settled on a farm two miles south of
Claj'pool, in Clay Township. John Cauffman was not only a practical
farmer, but also a minister of the Evangelical Church for many years.
He was a republican voter. By his second wife he had nine children,
five of whom are still living: Michael, a farmer on the home place
two miles south of Claypool ; Amelia, wife of J. 0. Deaton, of Clay
Township ; John A. ; Levi, a farmer in Lake Township ; Nancy, wife of
Richard Brown, living in Nebraska; and the other members of the
family, including one who died in infancy, are Alice, who married
Jacob W. Shoemaker, and Cora, who became the wife of Rev. Mr. Hill.
John A. Cauffman spent his boyhood days on the old farm south
of Claypool. After attending the district schools he went to work for
the railway on the section gang, and for sixteen years was section fore-
man. In the meantime he married Mary Garman, who left him three
sons : Earl O., a graduate of the common schools and high school and
now a resident of Montana ; Carl, who also graduated from high school
and lives on one of his father's farms ; Edward, who in addition to his
high school course, graduated from Winona and was formerly super-
intendent of the Burkett public schools, is now serving in the United
States Army. For his second wife Mr. Cauffman married Lydia Dick.
They have two children, Raymond and Marjorie, both graduates of the
common schools.
The family are members of the United Brethren Church at Clay-
pool. Mr. Cauffman has been a sturdy republican and his personal
popularity is reflected in the fact that while Clay Township normally
has a margin of thirty-eight democratic majority, he was elected to
his office as trustee by one vote over his opponent. Mr. Cauffman 's
work and character deserve all the support he has received in public
622 HISTOEY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY
affairs. His home farm comprises 120 acres, and he has another place
of seventy-seven acres, and all of this represents his individual toil
and good management. He is also one of the stockholders in the
Farmers State Bank at Claypool.
John Kimes. Representing a family that came to Kosciusko
County more than eightj^ years ago, and one of the most enterprising
and prosperous agriculturists of Clay Township, John Kimes owns a
splendid farm a mile and a half east and a mile north of Claypool. He
has his land improved with buildings, equipped with machinery and
other facilities, with home and everything in perfect order, and it con-
stitutes a place such as may well arouse pride in what he has done.
Mr. Kimes, who is also one of the count.y commissioners of Kos-
ciusko County, was born in Plain Township, about three miles north
of Warsaw, January 23, 1851, a son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Gen-
singer) Kimes.
His father, Jacob Kimes, was born in Dauphin County, Pennsyl-
vania, March 17, 1814, a son of Peter and Nancy (Leggett) Kimes.
He grew to manhood in his native state, and he and Elizabeth Gen-
singer were married in 1833. In 1836 they moved from Ohio, where
they had spent the fii-st three years of their married life, and settled
on a farm in section 31 of Plain Township, entering 118 acres from
the government in the old "Monoquet Reserve." That land, situated
three and one half miles north of Warsaw, was in the midst of the
heavy woods, and many times in the early days he had to go only a
short distance from his log cabin to kill a deer ; in fact it is recorded
that he killed a deer the first day he arrived in the county. For years
he was a noted hunter, and most of the meat consumed by the family
was furnished b.v his rifle. In early times he took his corn to Lafayette
and also to Goshen, and had many experiences in traveling over the
rough roads and trails of those days. He began farming immediately
upon his arrival in Kosciusko County. Prosperity came to him in large
measure, and in time he owned 600 acres of land. He was a republican,
first voting as a whig, and at one time served as road supervisor. His
wife died in 1884, and he lived to very advanced years. He and his
wife had been married more than half a century. They were the par-
ents of eleven children, and those to reach mature years were George,
Jacob, Daniel, John, Susan and Catherine. Only two are now living,
John Kimes and his sister Catherine, wife of Salem Black, of Warsaw.
The son George saw more than two j'ears of service as a soldier in the
Civil war.
Mr. John Kimes grew up on the old farm north of Warsaw and
his school advantages were limited to the district schools during the
winter, while his summers were spent on the farm. He was part of
the home circle until July 4, 1875, when he married Miss Alice Kelle.v.
Mrs. Kimes was born in Plain Township July 2, 1854, daughter of
William and Celina (Parker) Kelley, the former a native of Ohio and
the latter of Pennsylvania. Her parents were married in Kosciusko
County and they lived in Plain Township until the death of her father.
Mr. and Mrs. Kimes kept house and did their work as farmers on
HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY 623
the old farm homestead five years after their marriage, and in 1880
they bought the farm wliere they now live, and have occupied it con-
tinuously since 1881. Mr. and Mi*s. Kimes own about 300 acres. They
also lived five years in the village of Claypool.
They are the parents of four children: Ona, a graduate of the
common schools, is the wife of Charles Clace, of Wayne Township ;
Minnie is the wife of Joseph Leiter, of Clay Township ; Avery, a grad-
uate of the common schools, married Lucy Leckrone ; and Horace J.
lives in Clay Township and married Alma Parker.
The family are members of IMount Pleasant Methodist Episcopal
Church, and Mr. Kimes is one of the church officials and very active
in its behalf. He is a republican in politics and has always been inter-
ested in the good of his party and the welfare of his community. As
county commissioner he served one entire term, and was i-e-elected for
a second term, but on account of ill health resigned after one year.
Mr. and Mrs. Kimes have a most interesting family, and besides their
own children they have seventeen grandchildren.
Emsley a. Arnold. There is perhaps no better known citizen in
the southern part of Kosciusko County than Emsley A. Arnold, who
has been a practical farmer in Lake Township most of his life.
He was born on the fann where he now resides November 19, 1861.
He was reared by his grandfather, Martin Arnold, who was born in
Knox County, Ohio, in 1809, and was one of the pioneer settlers of
Kosciusko County. He entered 160 acres of Government land and
lived there until his death. He was an ordained minister of the Chris-
tian Church and voted as a republican.
Emsley A. Arnold grew up on the farm, attended district schools,
and lived with his grandfather until his marriage. December 31, 1881,
Miss Amanda Garman became his wife. She was born in Allen County,
Indiana, but her parents came to Kosciusko Coimty when she was
three months old, and here she grew up and received her education.
After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Arnold farmed the old home
place for seven years, then bought a farm, and subsequently acquired
the 145 acres which constitutes their present home. They have two
children, Oder A. and Vesta M. Oder lives just across the road from
his father, and by his marriage to Alma Whitmer has one daughter.
Vesta is a graduate of the common schools and is the wife of Poster
Caufifman of Clay Township.
Mr. Arnold is a republican in politics. His fellow partisans and
citizens have manifested such confidence in his good judgment that
he is now the nominee of his party for county commissioner to repre-
sent the southern district.
Leroy "W. Caldwell. Leroy W. Caldwell is a member of an old
Clay Township family, is a man of university training and education,
and is applying his efi'crts to the business of agriculture. His farm
home two miles southwest of Claypool illustrates much of the spirit of
progressiveness and efficiency that are characteristic of the intelligent
and high minded generation of modern farmers.
624 HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY
Some of the first things in the history of Clay Township revolve
around the Caldwell family. His great-grandfather, Joshua Caldwell,
came from West Virginia to Kosciusko County in January, 1837, and
entered land near Claypool. He came along with members of the
Minear family, who were also among the first pioneers of that town-
ship. History records that the first religious services were held in
Joshua Caldwell's cabin in the winter of 1837, a Methodist missionary
preaching. The first Sunday school was organized in the same cabin
the next year.
Joshua Caldwell had two sons, Isaac and David. David died at the
age of twenty-eight, leaving a son, David A., who is now living in Fort
Wayne. Indiana. Isaac Caldwell married Eliza Jameson, and their
two sons were William and Joshua V., the latter dying in 1884. Wil-
liam Caldwell, father of Leroy W., was Iwm in Clay Township in
October, 1852, grew up on the old farm and had a district school edu-
cation. He married Anna Wells, a daughter of William P. and Almira
(Truax) Wells. Her parents were also early settlers of Kosciusko
County. William Caldwell and wife have two children, Leroy W.
and Clare.
Leroy W. Caldwell, who was born on the old farm in Clay Town-
ship August 10, 1881, grew iip in the country', attended the district
schools, the Claypool High School, and later graduated A. B. from
Indiana University. While in university he paid his way largely
through his earnings as a teacher. He was principal of the Claypool
High School, and for two years was a teacher in the Central High
School at Pueblo, Colorado. He finally gave up the occupation of
teacher and returned to Kosciusko County and engaged in farming.
Besides his farm he is one of the directors of the State Bank of Clay-
pool. Mr. Caldwell is a democrat in politics, is affiliated with Lake
City Lodge No. 73, Free and Accepted Masons; Warsaw Chapter,
Royal Arch Masons ; Warsaw Commandery No. 10, Knights Templar,
and is also affiliated with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks
at Warsaw, and is a member of the Kappa Sigma College fraternity.
In August, 1906, he married Anna Jaques. Mrs. Caldwell is a
graduate of the Silver Lake High School. They have two children :
William Isaac, born October 28, 1907 ; and Florrie C, born March
18, 1916.
Joel F. Thompson. A long life lived with honor, with fidelity to
high principles, with worthy service to his family and his fellow men,
has been that of Joel F. Thompson, one of the best known residents of
Clay Township. His home is six miles southeast of Claypool, and he
has been a resident of Kosciusko County more than half a century.
Mr. Thompson was born in Pennsylvania June 28, 1836, a son of
William and Catherine (Young) Thompson, and a grandson of Wil-
liam Thompson, of English ancestry. His grandfather spent most of
his life in Pennsylvania. His father, William Thompson, Jr., was
apprenticed to the tailor's trade, but also lived on thirty acres of land
and combined farm supervision along with tailoring. He and his wife
were both active Methodists. They had a family of five children:
HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY 625
Sarah, widow of John Chase, who now lives in Wisconsin; William,
deceased ; Daniel W., who saw service as a Union soldier in the Civil
war, is now married and lives in Clay Township of this county ; John,
who died in 1913 ; and Joel F.
Joel F. Thompson grew up in Pennsylvania and was educated by
means of the subscription and public schools of his native state. When
he was about seventeen years old he attended a high school in Pennsyl-
vania, and soon afterward came to Indiana and entered upon a work
that occupied him for twenty-eight years, that of teaching. With the
exception of one term in Huntington County and one in Wabash
County, all his work was done in Kosciusko County, and there are
many people still living past middle age who have kindl.y and inter-
esting memories of him as a teacher. This occupation he followed
during the winter terms, and the rest of the year was a farmer.
In 1859 Mr. Thompson married Elizabeth Fisher. The following
year he bought eighty acres of land covered with brush and timber,
and in 1863 moved to the farm where he now lives in Clay Township,
consisting of 200 acres. He also has another place of 120 acres north of
the home farm. It was as a fanner that he acquired his substantial
prosperity, and for many years he has lived in comfort and liberally
provided for the children who grew up under his roof, and most of
whom are now settled in homes of their own.
Mr. and Mrs. Thompson had ten children, and seven are still living.
Sarah is the wife of Simon Shults, of Clay Township : Samuel is also
a resident of Clay Township; Luella is the wife of Jacob Galls, of
Scott Township; Calvin, a Clay Township farmer; Emma, wife of
Layman Vance, who manages and lives on the home fann ; Melissa,
who is the wife of James Snoke, of Clay Township ; and IMai-shall, who
is a graduate of the Boston Conservatory of Music and lives in Fort
Wayne. The mother of these children, after more than half a century
of happy married life, died in the fall of 1915.
Mr. Thompson is a member of the Presbyterian Church at Packer-
town, and was formerly one of the church trustees. In politics he is
a democrat. He served one term as trustee of Jackson Township, and
for two terms was honored with a similar office in Clay Township. He
is also a stockholder in the Packertown Farmers Elevator Company.
Thomas B. Hatfield. While Clay Township is noted for the fer-
tility of its soil, the success which attends the labors of some of the
agriculturists there cannot be altogether attributed to this fact. A
thorough undei-standing of the principles of farming and the posses-
sion of the good judgment and the industry to apply them are, after
all, the greatest factors in making a farmer's life pleasant and profit-
able. One of the intelligent, well informed farmers of this section is
Thomas B. Hatfield, proprietor of ]\Iaple Grove Fann, situated a mile
and a half west of Claypool, in Clay Township.
Mr. Hatfield was born in what is now Lake Township of Kosciusko
County, January 31, 1856, son of Jacob and Lydia (Shook) Hatfield.
The name Hatfield has been rather numerously and prominently iden-
tified with Kosciusko County from almost pioneer days. Jacob Hat-
626 HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY
field and his wife were both natives of Ohio. He was born October 4,
1830. and died in 1880, and his wife was born ]\Iay 24, 183.5. Their
respective families came to Kosciusko County in the early days, and
Jacob and Lydia were married here. Much of their farming was done
on the land now owned and occupied by their son Thomas. The
parents were faithful members of the United Brethren Church at
Center, and Jacob Hatfield was a loyal democrat. Jacob and Lydia
Hatfield were splendid people, and the merit of their own lives and
characters was transmitted to their children. The record of their chil-
dren is a remarkable one, since there were eighteen sons and daughters,
and most of them grew to maturity, and a number of them are still
in Ko.sciusko County. The names of these children, with the dates
of their birth and some other facts, are recorded as follows: Leander
v., born May 27, 1854, a farmer in Clay Township ; Thomas B. ; Sarah
E. and Aurilla I., twins, born Jlay 6, 1857, both now deceased; Mary
C, born December 16, 1858, wife of Z. Gunder, of Jackson Township ;
Isaac E., born September 11, 1860, now deceased; Chester N., born
IMay 8. 1862, a farmer in Jackson Town.ship of Huntington County;
Jacob M., born November 21, 1863, a resident of Indianapolis; Delia
E.. born September 9, 1866, deceased ; Emma J., bom March 7, 1865,
wife of A. J. Gunter; Martha C, born September 2, 1868, wife of
William Rhoads, of Onatchee. Washington ; Alice E., born September
9. 1869, wife of George iladdux, of Plymouth, Indiana; Andrew D.,
born March 22, 1871, deceased; Phoebe V., born August 11, 1872, wife
of Charles Ernsberger, of Elkhart. Indiana ; Florence B., born Jiily
23, 1874, decea-sed ; Rosella, born July 10, 1875, deceased ; Laura E.,
born February 9, 1877 ; and Nora E., born July 81, 1879, deceased.
Thomas B. Hatfield grew up on the farm where he now resides.
His education was supplied by the district schools, and at the age of
eighteen he took an effective part in the handling of the home farm.
About two years later he became a saw mill worker, and followed that
occupation for eight or nine years. On December 24, 1886, Mr. Hat-
field married Elnora Thompson. ]Mrs. Hatfield was born in Clay
Township June 24, 1865, a daughter of D. W. and Anna (Fisher)
Thompson, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of
Jackson Township of this county. ^Irs. Hatfield was reared in Clay
Township and was educated in the local schools there.
At the time of his marriage Mr. Hatfield became manager of the
C. L. Lucas farm, but after two years moved to Jackson Township
and bought a small tract of land, and lived there altogether for seven-
teen yenrs. In 1910 he moved to his present place in Clay Township,
the old Hatfield farm, and in the cultivation of its fertile acres he is
finding ample return for his labors and is enjoying the comforts of
one of the good country homes of the county. Mr. and ^Irs. Hatfield
are members of the United Brethren Church at Claypool. He is atfil-
iated with Claypool Lodge No. 515, Independent Order of Odd Fel-
lows, of which he is past noble grand. He is now and for a niimber
of years has been quite active in the cause of temperance and the pro-
hibition party.
Mr. and Mrs. Hatfield have a family of eight children : Ethel ]\I.,
HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY 627
a graduate of the common schools and wife of Charles Horner of
Hegewisch, Illinois; Charles L., a soldier, who married Cordelia Jef-
fries; Lillie A., a graduate of the common schools, wife of Ernest
Jameson, of Monroe Township ; James I., who represents the family
with the United States armies in France; Daniel R., who lives in Clay
Township and married Letitia Rhodes; Donald D., a graduate of high
school and still at home ; Susie P. and Esther T., who are also members
of the home circle.
Levi F. Cauffman is one of the men who are upholding the record
of Kosciusko County as a great agricultural center, and is directing
the productive forces of a fine farm of 200 acres in Clay and Lake
townships, one and one half miles east and two miles south of Clay-
pool, on rural route No. 2 out of that town.
Mr. Cauffman was horn on a farm in Clay Township, August 26,
1869, a son of John and Eva (Sellers) Cauffman. His parents were
both born in Pennsylvania, and after their marriage the father lived
five years in Michigan and then came to Kosciusko Count.y. He located
two miles south of Claypool and here he spent the rest of his days.
For fifteen years he was an ordained minister of the Evangelical
Church, and served as a local preacher for a number of .years in Kos-
ciusko County. He had a fluent command of both the English and
German languages, and conducted services in both tongues. He was
twice married and by his first wife had five children. The children
of his second marriage were : Michael A., a farmer in Clay Township ;
Amelia, wife of Jacob 0. Deaton, of Clay Town.ship ; Alice, deceased ;
John A., present trustee of Clay Township ; Nancy, who married Rich-
ard Brown and lives in Nebraska ; Levi F. : Pierce, who lives at
Wabash. Indiana, and is track master for the Big Four Railway ; and
Cora, wife of Silas Hill.
Levi F. Cauffman grew up on the old homestead two miles south
of Claj'pool, attended the district schools there, and was identified with
the work of the home farm for a number of years. On May 26, 1894,
he e-stablisbed a home of his own by his marriage to Gertrude Bodkin.
She was born in Clay Township. After their marriage they farmed
the old Cauffman farm four years, then rented the Wilson farm, and
gradually out of experience and their modest accumulations ventured
to make their first purchase of thirty-nine acres, going in debt for
the land. After they had paid for it they sold and bought eighty
acres contained in their present farm. This was their home for a year
and a half. Mrs. Cauffman then inherited eighty acres of land, "and
together they bought forty acres adjoining, so that their present place
comprises 200 acres.
Mr. and Mrs. Cauffman have two children. Flossie, bom August
25, 1899, is a graduate of the common schools and still at home. Beulah
was born May 10, 1906. Mr. Cauffman is a republican.
Thomas W. Boggs, whose farm home is in Clay Township, five
miles south of Warsaw, is a member of an old family of this county,
where the people of that name have lived since this country was a
628 HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY
wilderness of woods aud swamp. "What Kosciusko Cotinty is today is
largely the reflection of the energies and activities aud influences
created by such sturdj- and upright families as that given particular
attention in this sketch.
The founder of the name here was Andrew Hamilton Boggs, whose
death on his ninety-sixth birthday, :March 7, 1917, removed perhaps
the oldest pioneer from the county's citizenship. He was born in
Jackson County, Ohio, ilarch 7, 1821, son of Andrew and Susanna
(Bowen) Boggs, who were natives of Greenbrier County, Virginia.
Andrew Boggs, Sr., took his family to Indiana about 1825, living in
Wayne and Henry Counties, where his wife died May 4, 1834. Soon
after her death he moved to Blackford County, where he married a
second time, and served for a period a.s associate judge of the County
Court of Delaware County. He was also one of the proprietors of
Hartford City, county seat of Blackford County. His long and
useful life came to a close January 27, 1854.
Andrew H. Boggs had very limited educational opportunities, but
nevertheless his powers of obser^'ation aud keen intelligence elevated
him to a position where he en.joyed the respect of the best citizens of
hLs community. From the age of fourteen he was practically on his
own resources. In the spring of 1835, with two brothers, he left Wayne
County for LaPorte County, making the journey on foot. During the
same year he made a further journey to the Miami Reserve at Peru,
but in the fall of 1835 came to Kosciusko Count}' and for a time made
his home with his brother-in-law, Joel Long, Sr., near Leesburg. His
principal asset was ability to work hard and untiringly, and many
days he labored at wages of only twenty-five cents a day. This indus-
try, coupled with integrity and thrift, brought him gradually up the
road to independence. December 14, 1843, he married Miss Martha
Ann Thomas, a native of Indiana and daughter of Antipas and Axsa
Thomas, natives of Tennessee. The Thomas family also became resi-
dents of Kosciusko County in the fall of 1835. After his marriage
Andrew H. Boggs lived on part of the Thomas farm, but soon after-
wards engaged in the hotel business at Leesburg four years. He then
resumed his residence in Prairie Township, and in 1868 moved from
there to a farm near Clunette. In that locality his years were peace-
fully and usefully spent until his death. He was a man of very char-
itable disposition, was devout in his religious practices, and a demo-
cratic voter. His wife died June 3, 1886. Their children were : Axsa
S., who now lives at Warsaw, widow of S. D. Anglin, a former
county superintendent of schools in this county ; Thomas W. ; John L.,
who married Rose Norris and lives in Monroe Township ; Lucinda,
deceased ; Samuel, of Kosciusko County ; Clinton, of ilentone, Indiana ;
Jennie, wife of Mr. Shinn, of Oklahoma ; Rose, deceased ; and Harvey
D., of Prairie Township.
Mr. Thomas W. Boggs was born on his father's place three miles
west of Leesburg in March, 1849. He grew up there, attended the
public schools, and from early manhood has been identified steadily
with farming. Mr. Boggs and family now have 150 acres in Clay
HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY 629
Township, and it has been under his management as a general farm
and stock proposition for many years. In politics he is a democrat.
Mr. Boggs married Matilda Hildebrand. They became the parents
of three children : Alice V. is the wife of Prank McKrill ; Lillie is
the wife of Joseph Huffer ; Edward H. is a resident of Clay Township.
The mother of these children died December 25, 1913. For his present
wife Mr. Boggs married Birtie Boggs, formerly a resident of Okla-
WiLLiAM Heisler has long enjoyed a substantial position in the
community of Clay Township, where he has spent most of his active
years, and is proprietor of a fine farm, well adapted to general agri-
culture and stock raising. This farm and his home are in section 6 of
Clay Township, on rural route No. 4 out of Claypool.
Mr. Heisler was born in Stark County, Ohio, July 6, 1845, a son
of John and Mary (Zeiders) Heisler. His father was a native of
Germany and his mother of P'ranee. Both came to the United States
when young people, were married in Stark County, Ohio, and in the
fall of 1863 brought their family to Kosciusko County and located on
the farm in Clay Township where their son "William now resides.
They were active members of the Lutheran Church, and the father
was a democrat. In their family were five children : Catherine, now
deceased, was twice married, her first husband being Mr. Byerly, and
her second Mr. Valentine ; Paulina lives in Clay Township, the widow
of Sylvester Kinsey ; "William is the third in age ; Emanuel is a farmer
near Hiawatha, Kansas; and John is a farmer near Etna Green,
Indiana.
"William Heisler was eighteen years old when he came to Kosciusko
County, and his early education was acquired in the district schools
of Ohio. He grew up inured to the rugged discipline of the farm, and
made his home with his parents as long as they lived, and now owns
110 acres, including the old homestead.
Mr. Heisler married Mary Bules, and three children were born to
them, two of whom are living. They are : "Winfield, who is unmar-
ried and still at home: and William, who lives in Seward Township
and married Nora Saulsgoer. The mother of these children died and
Mr. Heisler married for his present wife Ida Good. They have a son
Charles, who is a graduate of the common schools, and Floyd, who is
also still at home.
The family are members of the Lutheran Church. He has been a
man of prominence in his locality, served four years as trustee of
Clay Township, and also as a member of the advisory board. He votes
as a democrat.
Daniel "W. Smith is one of the more recent additions to the citi-
zenship of Kosciusko County, and is especially well known in the Clay-
pool community, where for several years he has been rendering the
service of a general merchant.
Mr. Smith is a Southerner by birth and ancestry. He was born
in the State of Mississippi, June 14, 1879, a son of Nicholas and Mary
630 HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY
(Mussehvhite) Smith. Both parents are deceased, and their four
children are: Laura, W. C, Daniel W. and Katie. Both daughters
are married and living in the South.
Daniel W. Smith grew up on a farm, had a public school educa-
tion and attended a commercial college. He lived at home until nine-
teen years of age, and his first business experience was working in a
grocery store for eighteen months. He then invested his modest cap-
ital in" 110 acres of raw land, opened up part of it, and then sold at
a handsome profit. Following that for ten years he was engaged in
the woodworking business and made much headway as a furniture
manufacturer. In July, 1911, ilr. Smith came north and was located
at Peru, Indiana, until January 1, 1912, when he came to Claypool.
Here he bought a half interest in a general store, and on December 15,
1917, became its sole proprietor. He has a good business, and his
patronage is steadily growing and extending over all the trade terri-
tory natm-ally tributary to Claypool.
September 10, 1910. ilr. Smith man-ied Edna Mabel Black at Clay-
pool. She was born in Seward Township of this county, and is a grad-
uate of the Claypool High School. Mr. and Mrs. Smith are members
of the United Brethren Church at Claypool. He is a member of the
Woodmen of the World, and ]\Irs. Smith is active in the Rebekahs.
Politically he votes as a democrat.
Francis M. Downing is well known in Kosciusko County as a
former teacher, and is now senior partner of the firm Downing &
Tucker, a progressive firm of merchants at Claypool.
ilr. Downing was bom in Clay Township of this county January
8, 1874, son of Francis and Mary E. (Allison) Downing. His father
waJ5 born near Newcastle, Indiana, May 15, 1847, and spent most of
his boyhood near Swayzee, in Grant County, Indiana. At the age of
twenty he married Miss Allison, who was born near Peru, in Miami
County, Indiana. In 1868 they moved to Kosciusko County and
located three miles east and a half a mile north of ClaAT)ool. At that
time they had no resources and worked hard and saved in order to get
a start. ' Francis Downing was one of the good farmers of the town-
ship, and also enjoyed a large practice as a veterinary surgeon. He
died in December, 1911, and his widow is still living on the old farm.
Both were members of the United Brethren Church. The father was
a republican. Of their five children one died in infancy. The others
are : Arthur A., who lives near Dickinson, North Dakota ; William H.,
of Clay Township ; Francis M, ; and Delia, wife of Calvin Thompson,
of Clay Township.
Francis M. Downing grew up on the farm, and besides the district
schools attended college at North ]\Ianchester, and through his own
earnings paid his way through Valparaiso University. After grad-
uating he taught school, and has seven terms of successful work to his
credit. From teaching he engaged in business at Claypool.
November 18, 1899, Mr. Downing married ilaude I. Arnold, who
was born in the village of Claypool and was educated in the local
schools. She is a daughter of M. W. and B. J. (Foust) Arnold, both
now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Downing have two children: Donald,
HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY 631
a graduate of the common schools and now a high school pupil, and
Francis M., who is in the grade schools. Mrs. Downing is a member
of the Christian Science Church. Mr. Downing is affiliated with the
Masonic Lodge and Chapter at Warsaw, and also with the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows and the Knights of the Maccabees. In the Odd
Fellows he is a past noble grand and member of the Grand Lodge.
Politically he votes as a republican.
George B. Pontius. Since 1851 the name Pontius has figured
prominently in the affairs of Clay Township, and" in fact in the entire
county. Members of this family did some of the pioneer work of
clearing away the wilderness and making new farms, some of them
have always been farmers and have lived in close touch with the soil,
some have been business men, and all have represented that class of
citizenship which means most to any progressive community. Mr.
George B. Pontius represents the third generation of the family in
Kosciusko County, and for many years he has been successfully en-
gaged in business at Claypool, where he is owner of the Claypool
Elevator.
His great-grandfather's name was Napoleon Pontius. His grand-
father, David Pontius, was born in Ohio, in Pickaway County, and
grew up in that state. In Seneca County he married Anna Helzel,
who was born in Shenandoah County, Virginia, daughter of Henry
Helzel. Henry Helzel became a prominent citizen of Noble County,
Indiana, filled a number of places of public trust, including recorder,
treasurer and tax collector, and collected taxes in the early days, rid-
ing horseback all over the comity. David Pontius and wife had chil-
dren named Susanna, Elizabeth, James, Rebecca, Amos, Lucinda, Isaac,
Sarah, Huldah, Catherine and Henry. All were born in Ohio except
Henry. In April, 1851, David Pontius and family located on a farm
in Clay Township of Kosciusko County. He lived there until his
death in 1871. Before Clay and Lake Townships were set off he served
two tei-ms as assessor of the district. He was a very consistent member
of the United Brethren Church. His son Isaac died while a soldier in
the Union Army in the Twelfth Indiana Infantry.
Amos Pontius, father of George B., was born in Ohio, and was
thirteen years of age when the family came to Kosciusko County. He
had a district school education, and after his marriage settled on a
farm near Claypool. He also did business as contractor and builder
at Warsaw and Pierceton, and in 1866 built a lumber mill in Franklin
Township. It was in 1873 that he bought the interests of the other
heirs in the homestead farm, and he lived there quietly engaged in the
pursuits of agriculture until his death in 1915. He was a charter
member of Claypool Lodge No. 515 of the Odd Fellows, served as its
first secretary, and was a member of the Grand Lodge. He was a live
and energetic democrat in politics, and a man distinguished always by
good citizenship. In 1860 he married Miss Amanda M. Huff, who was
born in Ashland County, Ohio, and was brought to Kosciusko County
by her parents in 1858. She is still living at the old home. Amos
Pontius and wife had four children: Oliver C, of Brown County,
632 HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY
Indiana ; George B. ; Isaac N- of Monroe, Indiana ; and Edward E.,
of Claj'pool.
George B. Pontius spent most of his boyhood on the old farm,
attended district school during the winter time, and from the age of
nineteen until twenty-eight lived at home and assisted his father in
tending the crops. He then entered the livestock business, and for
twenty years has had his home and interests concentrated at Claypool.
Some years ago he bought the local elevator and a large part of the
grain that goes to market every year from this vicinity is handled by
him. He is also a stockholder of the State Bank of Claypool. In 1918
he contributed a hotel and two new business rooms to the village, and
all that concerns the welfare of his community is a matter of deep
interest to him. He is active as a democrat, is a member of the county
committee, and attended the Baltimore Convention in 1912 when
Woodrow "Wilson was nominated. He is a member of the Masonic
Lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Improved Order of Red
Men, and the Knights of the Maccabees. He and his family are also
identified with the United Brethren Church.
Mr. Pontius married Miss Eva Williams, a native of Kosciusko
County, and a successful teacher before her marriage. They have two
children. Delta is a graduate of the high school and specialized in
music at the Indiana Central College, and is now the wife of Walter
K. Lohr, of Claypool. Lowell B. is a graduate of high school and of
the Fort Wayne Business College, and is associated with his father in
the management of the Claypool Elevator.
Charles E. Thomas, M. D. A very successful and talented physi-
cian and surgeon. Dr. Thomas has been a leader in his profession in
Kosciusko County for a number of years, and has built up a large and
successful practice at Leesburg. He is the present secretary and treas-
urer of the County Medical Society.
Dr. Thomas was born in Cass County, Indiana, December 7, 1874,
son of Alvin H. and Sarah (Canine) Thomas. His father was a native
of Preble County, Ohio, while his mother was born in Cass County,
Indiana, where they married. Alvin Thomas went to Cass County
when a youth, and at the age of seventeen volunteered for service in
the Lfnion Army, being a soldier for two yeaj-s with the 130th Indiana
Infantry. After the war he returned to Cass County, and in 1869
married and settled on a farm near Galveston. In 1887 he retired
from the farm and moved to the village of Galveston, where he fol-
lowed merchandising. He was always active in the Methodist Church
and was a good, lo.yal democrat. In his family were four children,
John 0., a graduate of high school and now in the insurance business
at Tipton, Indiana; Dr. Charles E. ; Cora J., a graduate of high school
and wife of Rev. T. J. Johnson, a minister of the Methodist Episcopal
Conference located at Fort Wayne; and Audra, a graduate of high
school and stenographer with the Public Utility Company at Fort
Wayne.
Dr. Charles E. Thomas was reared on a farm to the age of thirteen.
During this time he attended district schools and later graduated from
HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY 633
the Galveston High School. He also carried literary studies in the
Indiana University and graduated from the Indiana Medical College
at Indianapolis. Following his graduation he spent a year as interne
in Hope Hospital, and was also an assistant at the Home for Feeble
Minded. Dr. Thomas came to Leesburg in 1900, and his service and
skill have been given every test of reliability and high minded profes-
sional conduct. He is a member in good standing of the various local
and district medical societies and of the American Medical Association.
Dr. Thomas is now serving as president of the Board of Education of
Leesburg. He is one of the official members of the Methodist Epis-
copal Church, and for the past fifteen years has served as superin-
tendent of the Sunday School. He is affiliated with Leesburg Lodge
No. 182, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons; is past chancellor of
his Lodge of Knights of Pythias, and is a member of both the subor-
dinate and encampment degrees of Odd Fellowship. Politically he
is a republican.
Dr. Thomas married Ina B. Fettro, daughter of Rev. J. T.
Pettro, for many years a minister of the Methodist Church. Mrs.
Thomas was born at Mount Aetna in Huntington County, Indiana, and
is a graduate of the Goshen High School and spent one year in DePauw
University. Doctor and Mrs. Thomas have two children, Everett Win-
ton and Frances E., the former aged ten and the latter six years.
Charles Thomas is one of the best known business men of Lees-
burg, has been a general merchant there for sixteen years, and is now
postmaster. He represents one of the oldest families of Kosciusko
County, one that was established in Plain Township more than eighty
years ago.
His grandfather, Antibas Thomas, was a native of North Carolina.
About 1828 he moved with his parents to Union County, Indiana, and
in 1834 settled in the wilderness of Kosciusko County, where he spent
his last days. He died in 1838.
Andrew J. Thomas, father of the Leesburg postmaster, was bom in
Prairie Township of Kosciusko County November 25, 1835, the young-
est of thirteen children. He grew up in a frontier district, attended
the common schools, and in the fall of 1861 enlisted in the Second
Indiana Cavalry. He was with his regiment in many campaigns and
in much scouting service, and during the advance upon Atlanta he
had a horse shot from under him and was captured by the enemy and
was a prisoner of war at Anderaonville from July, 1864, until Febru-
ary, 1865, when he was exchanged. At the close of the war he received
an honorable discharge and returning to Kosciusko County, married
and engaged in farming. He was one of the valued and esteemed resi-
dents of the county. His death occurred in May, 1887. Politically he
was a democrat. He married Cynthia Inman, and of their six children
four are still living: Charles; George, a farmer and stock buyer at
Leesburg; Jennie, living at Warsaw, widow of IMilo Hunter; and
Nellie, who is deputy postmaster under her brother.
Mr. Charles Thomas was born in Plain Township, three miles north-
east of Leesburg, September 1, 1866. His early life was spent on a
634 HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY
farm and his ambition for an education and a place in the world ex-
ceeded the opportunities afiforded by the common schools. He gradu-
ated with the degree Bachelor of Science from the Tri-State Normal at
Angola, and for six years was a teacher in the high school at Oswego.
From teaching he got into business and for many years has been one
of the leaders in affairs at Leesburg.
July 28, 1914, he married Miss Bertha Stanton. They have one
son, Charles S.. born October 26, 1917. Jlr. Thomas is past chancellor
of Lodge No. 192 of the Knights of Pythias and has sat in the Grand
Lodge. Politically he has always been active as a democrat and for
four years was trustee of Plain Township, and received his appoint-
ment to the office of postmaster to fill a vacancy on August 1, 1914.
George M. Neher. For fity or sixty years the name Neher has
been identified with the agricultural enterprise of Kosciusko County,
and the old homestead in Jefferson Township which was cleared and
developed by "William Neher and was subsequently owned and greatly
improved by George ^I. Neher is now occupied by the third generation
of the family. George M. Neher recently retired from the farm and
since March, 1917, has enjoyed the comforts of a good town home at
Milford.
He was bom on the old farm in Jefferson Township, Milford
County, July 26, 1865, a son of William and Martha (Teeplc) Neher.
His father was born in Stark County. Ohio, in 1836. and is still living
at the advanced age of eighty-two. He came to Indiana at the age of
sixteen, lived in Marshall County for several years, and at the age of
twenty-three came to Kosciusko County. Here he married and settled
on a farm in Jefferson Township, and was identified with its cultiva-
tion and management until about fifty-five years old, since which time
he has lived in ]\Iilford. He is a member of the Christian Church and
a democrat in politics. His wife died in Milford some years ago. Of
the four children, three are still living: MarA', widow of G. W. Pinker-
ton, of Jefferson Township; Emma, widow of James Pinkerton, for-
merly of Jefferson Township, her present home being in Milford; and
George M.
George M. Neher grew up on the old farm, attended the district
schools until about sixteen years old, and helped work the farm until
he was of age.
On October 20. 1888, Mr. Neher married Rachel Estep. She was
born in Virginia October 7, 1871, and was a small girl when her
parents, William E. and Hannah (Beeler) Estep. came to Indiana
from Virginia and settled in Prairie Township of Kosciusko County.
Mrs. Neher's parents were both born in Virainia. and the father was
a farmer. The family were members of the Baptist Church. He died
aged sixty-eight and the mother died in her seventieth year. They
were a well known, honored and highly respected family. They
were the parents of fourteen children, twelve of whom grew to ma-
turity and ten are living at this writing. Jlrs. Neher is the seventh
child and was but six .vears old when she came to Indiana. She at-
tended the district schools of that township and of Jefferson Township.
HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY 635
After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Neher rented the old homestead,
and later they bought and acquired that property, which comprises
120 acres of highly cultivated land in Jelferson Township.
On that farm their only daughter, Zona M.. was born and has
spent practically all her life. She is a graduate of the common schools
and of the South Bend Business College, and is now the wife of Cash
Arnold. Mr. and Mrs. Arnold now have the active superintendence of
the farm in Jefferson Township. They have two children : Verona S.,
born December 25, 1910 ; and Elwood C, born February 12, 1914. The
family are members of the Christian Church at Milford, and Mr.
Neher is a democrat in politics.
James T. Shepard, of Milford, has disproved the oft repeated as-
sertion that an educator is not a practical business man. In fact he
showed a high degree of administrative and executive ability during
his superintendence of the Milford public schools, and since resign-
ing his post in school work has been even more notably engaged in the
practical aifairs of business at Milford, where among other relations he
is cashier of the Farmers State Bank.
Mr. Shepard was born in Pike County, Indiana, November 23, 1879,
son of R. W. and Mary A. (McCleary) Shepard. His parents were
both natives of Pike County, the former born in 1851 and the latter in
1853. They have spent most of their lives m that county as farmers,
and now live in Southern Indiana. They had six children, five of
whom are still living : William, James T., Flora, Hattie and Luther.
James T. Shepard was reared on his father's farm, and the op-
portunities he received in the district schools were improved further
by attending high school at Spurgeon, Indiana. Later he entered the
State Normal School, graduating with the class of 1908. Mr. Shepard
came to Milford to take the superintendence of the local schools and
filled that office seven years. When he began his work ]\lilford was
maintaining a two year high school. Under his leadership the com-
munity put up a new school building, and while he was still superin-
tendent the high school was placed on the roll of commissioned high
schools of Indiana.
On leaving school work Mr. Shepard became one of the principal or-
ganizers of the Farmers State Bank. It was organized in May, 1916,
with the following officers : J. B. Neff, president ; Moses F. Lentz, vice
president; James T. Shepard, cashier and director; Harlan H. Sharp,
Harry R. Phend ; George Krull, Perry Hoover, E. W. Felkner and
James F. Peterson.
Mr. Shepard is also one of the directors of the Milford Grain &
Milling Company, a director in the Milford Loan & Investment Com-
pany, and a director of the Milford Commercial Club. In 1909 he
married Miss Ina M. Shoenian. She is a graduate of the Columbia
City High School of Columbia, and spent three years in the State Nor-
mal. They have one son, James S., born in January, 1915. The family
are members of the Baptist Church. Mr. Shepard is also affiliated with
Milford Lodge No. 478, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, i^s a past
grand, and in politics is a democrat.
636 HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY
Harry R. Phend represents one of the oldest families of Kosciusko
County, and his own life and accomplishments have been on a plane
consistent with the family record. He is one of the leading business
men of Milford, being manager of the Royal Telephone Companj' and
connected with several other local industries.
His great-grandparents were John and Susanna (Kibley) Phend,
both natives of Switzerland, where they were married in 1824. In
1832 they brought their family from Canton Berne to America, first
locating in Carroll County, then in Greene County, Ohio, and in 1852
moving to Marshall County, Indiana, where John Phend died in De-
cember, 1859.
Jacob Phend, grandfather of Harry R., was born in Canton Berne,
Switzerland, June 14, 1827. and was five years of age when brought to
this country. In Carroll County, Ohio, August 27, 1847, he married
Louisa Fisher, daughter of Michael and Christina (Houck) Fisher,
both natives of Germany. In 1849 Jacob Phend moved to Indiana, in
1851 located in ^Marshall County, and in 1868 came to Kosciusko
County and bought 120 acres of sparsely improved land in section 11
of Scott Township. He built a fine residence and developed a farm
which was well considered one of the best in the township. He was
a republican and he and his wife were members of the Evangelical
Church. He spent his la.st years at Nappanee, Indiana. He and his
wife had seven children : John, born August 1, 1848 ; Christian D.,
born :\Iay 12, 1851 ; Samuel, born July 6, 1854 ; William, born Septem-
ber 6, 1856, and died in 1857: Jacob J., born August 22, 1859: Sophia
L., born November 9, 1862 : and Henry A., born November 7, 1865.
Christian D. Phend, who was born on the old farm in Scott Town-
ship, grew up there, had a district school education, and was actively
identified with farming in the township until 1898, when he removed to
Nappanee, Indiana, where he is still living. He is an active member of
the United Brethren Church. Christian D. Phend married Mary
McConnell, and they became the parents of nine children, seven of
whom are still living: Clarence D., a Presbyterian minister; M. Ora,
a farmer in the State of Washington ; Harry R. ; Waldo, a farmer in
Iowa ; Hattie, wife of John Rhodes, a farmer in Marshall County,
Indiana: Iva, wife of Frank Wehrley, of Nappanee, Indiana: Belle,
wife of A. L. Miller, a farmer in Iowa.
Mr. Harry R. Phend was born in Scott Town.ship of Kosciusko
County September 25, 1885. He had a farm training and was edu-
cated in the local district schools and the high school at Nappanee. He
was not yet of age when his work and energies were directed into the
telephone business, and he is a past master and expert in every phase
of telephone construction and operation. He began as a lineman at
Nappanee, and for several years did line work, finally being promoted
to wire chief. He came to Milford on April 14, 1910, to superintend
the Royal Telephone Company. This is a corporation, the executive
ofificers of which are : Jacob B. Neff . president : Egbert Gawthrop. sec-
retary; E. W. Higbee, treasurer; Harry R. Phend, manager, and be-
sides these the directors are John Defreese, George Krull, Milo Gever
and William H. Neff.
HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY 637
Mr. Phend is also local manager for Hawk's Electric Companj- of
Goshen and is proprietor of the Milford Electric Company. He is a
director of the Farmers State Bank of Milford, is vice president and
one of the directore of the Milford Grain and Milling Company, and
is generally looked upon as one of the most capable young business men
of this locality.
Mr. Phend married Mary E. Parker. She was born in Marshall
County, Indiana, is a graduate of the Bourbon High School and holds
the collegiate degree Bachelor of Science. For eight years she was
a successful teacher. They have two children : Mary A., born May 3,
1915, and Parker H., born in April, 1918. Mr. and Mrs. Phend are
members of the Methodist Episcopal Church and he is trustee and sec-
retary of the official board. He is a past master of the Masonic Lodge
at Nappanee, member of Syracuse Chapter Royal Arch Masons, and
the Knight Templar Commandery at Warsaw.
Jehu Beer is proprietor of one of the profitable and interesting in-
dustries of Milford, being a manufacturer of circus supplies. He is a
man who has made his own opportunities in the world and has pro-
moted himself by his detennination and efforts to a commendable place
in his home community.
]Mr. Beer was born in Richland County, Ohio, November 2.5, 1871,
son of Hans and Ursula (Lantz) Beer. The parents were both born in
Switzerland, his father January 1, 1835, and his mother on the same
date. They grew up and married in their native country and in 1867
brought their family to America, tii-st locating in Richland County,
Ohio. Hans Beer was a cooper by trade. In 1873 he removed to West
Virginia, living there until 1897, when he came to Kosciusko County
and had his home in Milford until his death in 1917. He and his wife
were members of the New Apostolic Christian Church. They had a
family of five sons and five daughters, eight of whom are still living:
Elizabeth, wife of John Fuhrer ; Mary, wife of Godfrey Witchey ; Jon-
athan, of Milford ; David, of Mansfield, Ohio ; John ; Christian, a
farmer in Jackson Township of Elkhart County ; Emma, still at home :
Elsworth, a farmer in Jackson Township of Elkhart County : and
Jehu.
Mr. Jehu Beer received most of his schooling in Ohio and it was
largely through his own efforts that he acciuired a good practical edu-
cation. He learned by experience and study the profession of station-
ary engineer, and holds a state license in Ohio. After a number of
years of varied experience elsewhere he came to ^Milford and in the
spring of 1910 established a manufacturing plant for the making of
circiis supplies. This business he has brought to successful proportions.
Mr. Beer is a republican and a member of the New Apostolic Christian
Church.
Jerome H. Lones. It is truly the individual and exceptional ease
when a man can point to nearly a third of a century of continuous serv-
ice for one organization or in one position. That is one of the distinc-
tions of Mr. Lones' citizenship in Warsaw, where ever since August
638 HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY
30, 1883, he has been local agent for the Pennsylvania Railroad Com-
pany. To a great many people in Warsaw Mr. Lones is the Pennsyl-
vania Railroad Company, having served as its representative so lonsr
that to think of the Pennsylvania Company is also to think of its genial
and energetic agent. Furthermore. ]\Ir. Lones has been very closely
and actively identified with the material progress and development of
the city, and is one of the most highly esteemed as he is one of the
best known men of "Warsaw.
The lesson of his career should not be lost as an example to young
men who have to take np the responsibilities of life with little train-
ing and with no influence to advance them. He was born on a fana
in Crawford County, Ohio. Ausrust 20, 1853, the eldest of three chil-
dren of Harrison and Celia f Benson 1 Lones. "When he was eightee"
months old his parents moved out to Iowa by way of Cincinnati and
the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers, but owing to the continued ill health
of his mother they remained onlv a short tim<» and returned to Ohio,
taking up residence in "Wvandotte Countv. There the father died in
1859. and for a number of years thereafter the members of the little
household suffered many hardships and privations In the meantime
Jerome H. Lones managed to attend the local public schools and gained
the rudiments of an education. At the age of sixteen he left home,
and spent several months as a com busker near "Watsek;i. Illinois,
but in the ensuing spring returned home and looked after the opera-
tion of the old homestead dnrinar the next season. However, he could
not content himself with the narrow horizon of an Ohio farm, and it
was through a better education that he could see the vi&ta of greater
opportunities opening before him. By economy and hard work he
managed to pay his way for three years in the Northern Ohio Colleee
at Ada, where he showed special proficiencv and gained honors in
mathematics. "While in college his mother died, and not long after-
wards he had to determine his future location. There were two forces
that appealed to him, either to gain a place as a bank cashier w'th its
consequent possibilities, or to engage in railroad service. Before he
could make a beginning in either career, he needed business trainin",
and conseauently taught school and with the earnings of that work
and with some money which he borrowed paid his way thro'agh the
long course at the Iron City Business College. Then there was an-
other season at home, when he dug ditches and husked corn, and finally
he was able to attempt the realization of his dreams. He went to Fort
"Wayne, made application for eraplovment with the Pennsylvania
Company, but he was promptly refused owing to his lack of knowledge
of telegraphy. Undoubtedly one of the oualities which have enabled
him to succeed was a persistencv in the face of discouragement.
Turned back at oiie point, he applied for another line of work, and
finally went on the road as a freight brakeman. After thirteen months
he was given employment in the freight office as a clerk, and was pro-
moted to assistant cashier. Then, having demonstrated his capabilities
and his reliability, he came to "Warsaw in 1883 as station agent. This
position he has held ever since with credit to himself and satisfaction
to his company, and while nominally his duties have been the same,
HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY 639
the responsibilities have grown with the growth and development of
the city and its importance as a traffic center.
Unlike many men in the railroad service who ai'e content to isolate
themselves from the community which they serve and become merely
a cog in the routine of the corporation which employs them. Mr. Lones
has from the first identified himself with local citizenship. For years
he has contributed from his means and his experience to the aid of all
worthy enterprises undertaken in Warsaw. He was one of the or-
ganizers of the modern Commercial Club. He also helped in the or-
ganization and is one of the principal stockholders and vice president
of the Indiana Loan and Trust Company. In politics he has always
been identified with the republican party. Fraternally he is a thirty-
second degi'ee Scottish Rite Mason and a Knight Templar, and also
a member of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. For his helpmate
through life he was fortunate in the selection of Miss Jennie Logan,
of Fort Wayne, whom he married in 1878.
David Baee. Thirty-five years of continuous residence on one
farm in Washington Township gives Mr. David Barr the characteris-
tics of a man of settled ])urpose and permanent possessions and activi-
ties, and he is in fact one of the men upon whom some of the larger
responsibilities of agricultural production in this part of Kosciusko
County have devolved.
He was born at Warsaw January 23, 1871, son of Isaac N. and
Hester D. (Baker) Barr. Both parents were natives of Ohio but were
brought to Kosciusko County in youth and after their marriage set-
tled in the City of Warsaw. Isaac Barr was a successful teacher and
taught in the public schools of Warsaw until his death. He died when
his son David was eighteen months old. The mother, an active mem-
ber of the Christian Church, died in 1880. They had four children :
Ollie, formerly a teacher and now wife of William Botkins; Dora, a
graduate of the Tri-State Normal School at Angola and now for a
number of years a teacher of fourth grade in Warsaw; Melvin. of
Warsaw ; and David.
i\Ir. David Barr was reared partly in Warsaw and partly on a farm
and received his education in the eountrs- and city public schools.
After reaching manhood he engaged in farming, and thirty-five years
ago came to his present place in Washington Township. Mr. Barr has
combined crop raising with good livestock and for a number of years
specialized in the famous 0. I. C. hogs. He is active in agricultural
affairs and is treasurer of the Oak Grove Grange in Washington Town-
ship. He is a democrat and is affiliated with the Loyal Order of Moose
and the Fraternal Order of Eagles at Warsaw.
Rudolph Huffee, Se. When Rudolph Huffer died at his home in
Harrison Township September 29, 1911, there could be only affection
and esteem for the memory of a nian who had lived so long and so use-
fully in Kosciasko County. He was one of the early settlers and his
life was a link between the earliest pioneers and the present generation.
While there were few abnormal and conspicuous events in his life, he
640 HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY
deserves the full complement of praise for the manner in which he
went about performing his duties and oblig-ations and his quiet courage
and persistency in the face of many obstacles which he overcame in his
youth. This is a family that has properly won a place among the lead-
ing households in Kosciusko County. Nearly all the children of the
late Rudolph Huffer now have substantial homes and places of honor in
their respective communities in Kosciusko County, and one of the
widely known citizens in the county now is a son, Jacob D. Huffer, the
present sheriff.
The late Rudolph Huffer, Sr., was a native of Lancaster County,
Pennsylvania. His father, Daniel Hoffer, as the family name was then
spelled, was born in Germany and came to America when a small boy,
became a farmer, and finally moved to Fairfield County, Ohio, where
he died. Rudolph Huffer, who was born February 6, 1832, was a very
small boy when he went with his parents to Ohio and when he was
about nine years of age his father died. In consequence from that
time forward his life was one of no little hardship and adversity. He
gained a home and food by employment as a chore boy, but his edu-
cational opportunities were exceedingly limited. He had the inheri-
tance of a sturdy nature, developed good habits, and throughout his
life was a man of the most honorable principles and character. In
that period of his life when most boys are in school he was industri-
ously learning the blacksmith 's trade, and in 1849, at the age of seven-
teen, came with a married sister, ]Mrs. Mary East, to Kosciusko County.
Kosciusko County was then only a little way removed from the wilder-
ness conditions which the fii-st pioneers had found here. The first
winter he spent in working at his trade in Clunett, and he then re-
moved to Warsaw. For a number of years he followed his trade in that
cit.y, and it is said that he built the first ca.st spindle wagon ever manu-
factured in this county.
In a few years he was esteemed for his excellent craftsmanship and
his reliability, and was in a position where he was justified in estab-
lishing a home of his own. Then, in 1855, he married Miss Sarah
Stamets (sometimes spelled Stamate). He continued working at his
trade in Warsaw for several years, but finally sold his shop and closed
out other local interests and invested in a farm in Prairie Township,
two and one half miles northwest of Warsaw. That was his home for
nine years. He next bought and moved to a farm in Monroe Town-
ship, and still later to Harrison Township, in which community he
spent the remainder of his days.
The late Mr. Huffer should be remembered as a man gifted with an
unusual degree of good, sound, practical sense, and for this reason if
for no other he was naturall.y a leader in any community in which he
made his home. In politics he adopted for himself the principles and
policies of the republican party at the time of its organization, and ex-
emplified the best qualities of good citizenship. His most important
official service was as trustee of Harrison Township. He was industri-
ous, thorough in everything he did, and this quality, combined with
good management, enabled him to accumulate a sufficient competency.
While a member of no religious denomination, he believed in Chris-
HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY 641
tianity and for a number of years his services were much esteemed in
the position of trustee of the Christian Church.
He and his wife became the parents of eleven children, all of whom
they reared to maturity, and they thus founded a sturdy greneration
whose descendants will look back and honor these Kosciusko County
pioneers for years to come. All the children married and had fami-
lies, and nine of them are still living. A brief record of the family is
as follows : Jacob D. ; Horton C, who is now serving as deputy sheriff
at Warsaw and married Jennie Haines; Sarah C, wife of Charles
"Vandermark, a farmer of Harrison Township ; Gertrude, wife of
James Fawley. a Harrison Township farmer; Sherman, a fanner in
Monroe Township, who married a Miss Smith, now deceased ; Charles
D., who is a farmer in Franklin Township and married Effie Blue;
Lawrence, who died in September, 1907, married Ida Tucker ; Joseph
E., a farmer in Harrison Township, married Lillie Boggs ; Mary J.,
now Mrs. Tilden Milburn, of Harrison Township ; Edmund R,, of Har-
rison Township, married Nora Stickler; and Pearl C, Mrs. Rowland
Anglin of Wayne Township. To the mother of this family enough
praise cannot be given. She bore her part with uncomplaining cheer-
fulness in the time of adversity, helped to provide a living for her
rapidly increasing household, and in the early days wove cloth and
made clothing for the entire family. Her house was invariably neat
and clean, and she was one of the model old fashioned housewives of
whom so much has been written in history and fiction. At one time
her parents came to live in the Huffer home, and though their presence
increased the burdens upon her own shouldei-s, she bore that as
everything else with a sense of devotion to duty which could be re-
garded with nothing short of admiration. She was an active member
of the Christian Church, and in that faith she died July 27, 1915.
The oldest son and representative of the family of the late Ru-
dolph Hufifer is Jacob D. Huifer, the present sheriff of Kosciusko
County. He was born June 1, 1856, in Warsaw, but his early experi-
ence and associations were centered around the old homestead in Har-
rison Township. He attended the common schools there, and the pub-
lic schools in Warsaw, and afterward for nineteen consecutive years he
taught two terms of school each year. After that he was long asso-
ciated with his brother Horton C. in the livery business at Warsaw.
He has well merited the confidence and trust of the people of Kosciusko
County who in 1914 elected him sheriff, and to that office he is now
giving all his time and attention.
In polities Mr. Huffer is a republican, and is a member of the
Knights of Pythias. On May 5, 1895, he married Miss Maggie A. Sel-
lers. They both have membership in the Christian Church.
Lucius C. Wann. While there is hardly anyone in the city of
Warsaw not acquainted with the genial postmaster, it is worth while
to record briefly some of the main features of his career, which for
many years has been identified with Kosciusko Coutny. He is, in fact,
a native son, and it was fully sixty years ago that the name first be-
came identified with this section of Indiana, then comparatively a
642 HISTOEY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY
wilderness, though the pioneers had been making some advance since
the period of first settlement.
It was in Franklin Township of Kosciusko County that Lucius C.
Wann was born February 3, 1861. His father, Amos Wann, was born
in Pennsylvania, of Pennsylvania Dutch stock, was reared there, but in
1856 came to Indiana. He was a man of considerable mechanical en-
terprise, and started a steam sawmill in Franklin Township which
served to work up some of the splendid forest material in that vicin-
ity and furnished lumber for the construction of many of the early
homes and other buildings. Subsequently he moved to Marshall
County, and was engaged in merchandising at Tippecanoetown.
There he passed away in 1876. Amos E. Wann married Sophia Shu-
man. She subsequently married for her second husband Simeon Blue,
and she died at "Warsaw in 1912.
While he was born in Kosciusko County, Lucius C. Wann spent
most of his early youth up to manhood in Marshall County. He at-
tended the primarv schools of Tippecanoetown, and for two years was
a student in the old ]\Iethodist Episcopal College at Fort Wayne. Be-
fore gaining the altitude of man 's estate Mr. Wann engaged in mer-
chandising in Tippecanoetown, and continued there until 1881, after .
which he moved his enterprise to Claypool. Selling out his interests
there, Mr. Wann in 1886 came to Warsaw, and that city has now been
his home for over thirty years. His first work was traveling on the
road and handling teas and coffees, but a few yeai-s later he became a
merchant in chinaware, and continuously for eighteen years he was in
that line of business. On May 4, 1914, Mr. Wann received appoint-
ment as postmaster at Warsaw, and since then has given a very close
attention to the details of that office and has already instituted some
changes and improvements to increase the efficiency of the local postal
service. He was reappointed postmaster on the 4th of September,
1918.
In many ways his influence has helped to make the modern War-
saw, lie was one of the organizei-s and since organization has been a
director of the Warsaw Chamber of Commerce. He has served as
chairman of the Democratic County Central Committee, and in Ma-
sonry is affiliated with the Lodge, Royal Arch Chapter, Knight
Templar Commanderj' and the Eastern Star, and has served as wor-
shipful master of the lodge, and as eminent commander of Wai"sa\v
Commandery No. 10.
On May 1, 1884, he married Miss Retta M. Burket, daughter of Dr.
Bcn.iamin Burket of Warsaw. The three sons of their marriage are :
Louis, Harry V. and Frank B. Mr. Wann and family are active mem-
bers of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he is a trustee, and
is also a member and secretary of the Building Committee which at
this writing has in charge the erection of the new Methodist Church at
Benjamin Burket, M. D. In recalling the older physicians of
Kosciusko County some particular attention should be paid to the
memory of the late Dr. Benjamin Burket. who devoted many years to
HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY 643
the unselfish service of his profession in this county, and who died at
Warsaw in advanced years.
He was born in Wayne County. Indiana, in 1829, a son of Nathaniel
Burket, who married a Miss Kessler. His parents were members of the
Dunkard Church, and were substantial farming people. In their home
near Hagertown Doctor Burket was reared and educated, and he did
not take up a professional career until he had passed the age of thirty-
five. In the meantime he had been identified with farming, and al.so
became a skillful carpenter.
About 1858 Doctor Burket moved to Kosciusko County and was
first known in this county as an industrious carpenter. About 1865 he
began reading medicine at home, and subseauenty gave it a more sys-
tematic attention under the direction of Dr. Calvin W. Burket, a
nephew, who was then engaged in practice at Warsaw. During the
winter of 1866-67 he took his first course of lectures in the medical de-
partment of the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor and subse-
quently attended the Indiana Medical College of Indianapolis, where
he was regularly graduated. Doctor Burket for many years prarticed
his profession in different towns, includinff Knox, Bourbon. Leesburg
and Warsaw, and it was in Warsaw that he spent his last days.
He was an esteemed member of the Kosciusko County Medical So-
ciety, was affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and
his church was the Methodist. He married Catherine Holman. There
were two children by that union : Retta is now the wife of Mr. L. C.
Wann of Warsaw. Charles Edwin, the only son, is now a practicing
dentist at Spokane, Washington.
Jacob C. McLaughlin. It would not be possible to name a bet-
ter known citizen at Milford than Jacob C. McLaughlin, a veteran
business man, lawyer and former public official, whose citizenship and
relations with that community run back practically seventy years and
actively for more than half a century.
]\Ir. McLaughlin was born in Pennsylvania November 21, 1843, a
son of Martin H. and Priscilla (Edmunson) jMcLaughlin. His grand-
father fought as a soldier in the Revolutionary war. Martin H. Mc-
Laughlin was reared and educated in Pennsylvania and had a liberal
training and at one time was a teacher. He married in his native state,
and on March 29, 1848, he and his family arrived in Kosciusko County.
They established their home on the north bank of Turkey Creek, near
Milford, and in a short time Martin McLaughlin was busily identified
with local and pioneer affairs. He was a school teacher, a'so helped
survey some of the first ditches in the county, and was a man of in-
fluence in the whig and republican parties. He died February 18,
1869, and his wife on May 25, 1860. They had eleven children, five of
whom are still living: Emma, wife of George Stuckman. and she is
now eighty-three years of age; Mary is the wife of Jerre Stephenson,
a former sheriff of Kosciusko Count.A"; Jacob C. ; George W., of Elk-
hart County ; and Catherine, wife of Tom Boulton, of Warsaw,
Indiana.
Jacob C. McLaughlin was a child a little past four years of age
644 HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUXTY
when his parents came to Kosciusko County. He grew up near Mil-
ford, and attended school in an old frame building. His vacations
were spent on the home farm and his early experiences gave him a
good substantial training for the long career he has had. On December
26, 1864, when a little past twenty years of age, he enlisted in Com-
pany I of the Twenty-ninth Indiana Infantr\-, and saw .some of the con-
cluding service of the great rebellion. He was mustered out June 26,
1865.
The war over, he returned to Kosciusko County and for a year
owned a half interest in a harness shop at Milford. He then bought
a half interest in a boot and shoe store and gave his attention to that
business for fifteen months. Later he took up fire insurance, and is
one of the oldest insurance agents in Kosciusko County, still handling
the business for one or two companies at Milford. He has always been
interested in politics, and served eight years as justice of the peace,
and as alternate delegate to republican national convention in 1912.
By private study and practical experience Mr. McLaughlin qualified
himself for the legal profession, and was admitted to the bar of both
Elkhart and Kosciusko counties. He has practiced law for many
yeai-s at Milford, and still handles his practice and is busied with
many private investments. He ov.ns the ilcLaughlin Block, which was
erected in 1902, and has two other business rooms at Milford.
November 2, 1871, he married Sara A. Potter. By a previous mar-
riage she is the mother of Dr. J. E. Potter, of ililford, who was reared
and educated in the home of ^Ir. and Mrs. ilcLaughlin. They have
one daughter, Maude L., a graduate of the ^Milford High School and
of the Chicago Musical College. She also attended Northwestern Uni-
versity two summers. She is well known in Milford as teacher of
music and English in the high school. Jlrs. McLaughlin and her
daughter are active members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
Fraternally he is a past noble grand of Milford Lodge No. 478,
Independent Order of Odd Fellows, has sat in the Grand Lodge, and
is now adjutant and past commander of the Grand Army Post. In
politic-s he is a republican.
Homer Longfellow. The present generation of Kosciusko
County citizens needs no introduction to Homer Longfellow, who at the
time this publication is being prepared is worthily and competently
filling the position of prosecuting attorney. His large circle of friends
speak admiringly of his qualifications as a lawyer, his trustworthiness
in all responsibilities, and the vigorous manner in which he has handled
the affairs of his office.
A native of Indiana, he was born in Noble County ilarch 3, 1873, a
son of David S. and Sarah E. Longfellow. His father was a farmer
and settled in Noble County in 1853, spending most of his life there and
passing away in 1904.
It was on the old farm in Noble Comity that Homer Longfellow
spent his youth, with an environment such as many successful profes-
sional men have had and from which he derived strength of body and
vigor of mind. Up to the age of .seventeen he attended district schools.
HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY 645
He worked hard to gain an education, and first pursued his higher
studies in the Ohio Wesleyan Universit3' at Delaware, where he re-
mained one year, then was out of school a year and taught, following
which he returned to the Ohio Wesleyan and was graduated A. B. in
the class of 1898. The next four or five years were spent in educa-
tional work. He was superintendent of the Bethel Township schools
in Clark County, Ohio, and principal of the township high school until
he resigned to take up the study of law
Admitted to the bar in Kosciusko County in 1905, Mr. Longfellow
began practice at South Bend, but was there only a short time be-
fore he located in Pierceton. Pierceton was his home from January 1,
1906, to January 1, 1915, and at the latter date he came to Warsaw to
fill the office of prosecuting attorney, to which he had been elected in
1914.
Mr. Longfellow is a republican, and is affiliated with the Masonic
Order, the Knights of Pythias, and is a member of the Methodist
Church.
William W. Kiekpatrick represents a family that has been identi-
fied with Kosciusko County more than eighty years. He is one of the
prosperous farmers of Washington Township and his rural home,
marking the best improvements and developments and productiveness,
is situated two and one half miles north of Pierceton.
His great-grandfather, John Kirkpatrick, was born in the high-
lands of Scotland and came to the American colonies in 1775 at the
beginning of the Revolutionary war. He first settled in Pennsylvania,
afterwards moved to near Lexington, Kentucky, and in 1804 bought
land adjacent to what is now the City of Springfield, Ohio, where he
died.
The grandfather of Mr. Kirkpatrick was John Kirkpatrick who
was born in Kentucky March 6, 1795. He moved with his parents to
Greene County, Ohio, afterwards went with them to Clark County,
and on November 15, 1817, he married Jane Cowan. She was born in
Kentucky September 26, 1798, and was reared in Clark County, Ohio.
Her father, William Cowan, was born in Pennsylvania in 1768 and
died in Kosciusko County, Indiana. John Kirkpatrick died in Clark
County, Ohio, August 17, 1826, leaving his widow and six children.
One of these children was the late William Kirkpatrick, who was
born in Clark County, Ohio, July 19, 1822. He came to Kosciusko
County on September 20, 1836, and lived with his mother and four
sisters in section 25 of Plain Township. His mother had entered 160
acres of land there in 1836, and this is one of the early records of land
entry in that section of the county. William Kirkpatrick was only
fourteen years old when he came to this county, and due to circum-
stances of the fact that very few schools were maintained his early
education was limited. He worked the land under the direction of his
mother until sixteen, after which he managed the place for himself.
February 18, 1847, William Kirkpatrick married Miss Ann Pierce,
who was born in Clark County, Ohio, March 6, 1824, but at the time
of her marriage was living in Madison County, Ohio. Her parents
646 HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY
%yere ]\Ioses R. and Mary (Cowan) Pierce, while her grandnarents
were Gilbert and Sarah (Quimbv) Pierce. Gilbert Pierce was a na-
tive of Massachusetts and died at Springfield, Ohio, in 1845. His wife
was born February 23, 1769, and died in Ohio in 1839. Thus these
family records go back into American citizenship to the time of the
Revolution and even earlier.
After their marriage William Kirkpatrick and wife went to house-
keeping on a rented farm, but the next year bought 100 acres in sec-
tions 24 and 19, Plain Township. William Kirkpatrick built in sec-
tion 19 a substantial hewed log house a stoiy and a half high, which
made a very comfortable home. They lived in that house until 1883,
nearly thirty-five years. They then moved to Washington Town-
ship, owning a farm in section 10, and lived here until his death on
March 26, 1898. His wife passed away February 27, 1892. They
were among the very elect of the substantial farming popidation of
Kosciusko County and their names and records desen^e a proniinent
place in this history. They were members of the Presbyterian Church
and William Kirkpatrick served as an elder of the church and was
a democrat in politics. They became the parents of nine children,
four of whom are still living: Sarah J., who was bom September 5,
1852, and lives at Warsaw, widow of John T. Gilliam : Margaret E.,
who wa.s born July 21, 1857, and is unmarried and lives with her
brother William W. ; M. Pierce, who was born October 30, 1860, and
married Hortense Crawford, of Pierceton : and William W. The de-
ceased children are : John W, born June 8, 1848, died April 4 1849 :
Mary E., born February 16, 1850. died December 12, 1861 ; Eliza A.,
born January 12, 1855; was married, September 24, 1879, to Samiiel
B. Long, and she died January 10, 1914; Eunice A., bom July 25,
1865, died :May 7, 1884 ; and Alvin W., born December 25, 1867, died
August 18, 1872.
William W. Kirkpatrick was born in Tippecanoe Township of this
county February 5, 1863, and lived among the old home surroundings
in that locality until he was twenty years old. In 1883 he accom-
panied his parents on their removal to Washington Township, and
here he made his first essay as a practical and independent farmer.
On November 18, 1896, ilr. Kirkpatrick married Nettie Goshert, who
was born in Prairie Township of this county September 9, 1874. Her
parents were Jasper and Electa (Hall) Goshert. Her father was bom
in Prairie Township September 9, 1845, just twenty-nine years to the
day before the birth of his daughter. The juother was born in Prair 'e
Township December 18, 1854. ilr. and Mrs. Goshert married Sep-
tember 11, 1873, and were the parents of three daughter: Mrs.
Kirkpatrick ; Pearl, who married Eugene Harley and is now deceased ;
and Edith, wife of Professor Edwin Gerraaun, of Fort Wayne. The
children of Mr. and Mrs. William W. Kirkpatrick are : Edith Hope,
Iiorn ]\Iay 17, 1S99, and William Merrill, born November 27, 1900.
Both graduated from Pierceton High School and Edith Hope is teach-
ing. Merrill is at home on the farm.
HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY 647
Edmond C. Doke. There is )io citizen of Washington Townshii)
who more thorouglily enjoys the esteem and respect of his fellow
citizens than Edmond C. Doke. He is a native of Kosciusko County
and now occupies one of the best homesteads in the township. His
individual prosperity has not been accomplished without benefit to
the community in which he has lived, and his enterprise has been
one of the stimulating factors of the county's general prosperity.
Mr. Doke was born on the farm where he is now living March 1,
1845. This farm is three and one-half miles northeast of Pierceton.
It is one of the centers of early settlement in the county. Mr. Doke
is a son of John S. and Harriet M. (Turner) Doke, while his grand-
father, Alexander Doke, was a pioneer blacksmith at Urbana. Ohio,
and commanded a company of volunteers as captain in the "War of
1812. John S. Doke was born in Champaign County, Ohio, June 30,
1809, while his wife was born in Logan County, that state, August 12,
1809. They grew up and married in Logan County and on October
11, 1837, arrived in Kosciusko County, which was then to a large ex-
tent just as nature had left it. John S. Doke made choice of the exten-
sive government lands open to settlement by selecting a ciuarter section
in section 13 of "Washington Township. His individual labors brought
about remarkable transformation in the course of years, though at
the beginning he lived in the woods and had a cabin home on a space
which he cleared with the axe. He was a prosperous and highly
esteemed citizen of this locality for many years, but finally moved to
Iowa and died in that state. His wife died in Kosciusko County.
Of their nine children seven grew to maturity and four are still
living : Thompson Doke, of Bloomfleld, Iowa ; Elizabeth, widow of
A. D. Stinson, of Spokane, "Washington ; Ilattie, widow of George
Messiek, of Kansas; and Edmond C.
Edmond C. Doke has spent nearly all the days of his life in Wash-
ington Township. For his education he attended one of the old log
cabin schools such as were typical of the institutions of learning in the
early days. "While a schoolboy he found employment on the home
farm, and finally left home to enlist in Company D of the One Hun-
dred and Fifty-Second Indiana Infantry. Though he was extremely
young he did his part as a fighting soldier in that great struggle and
was still under age when he retui-ned home. Since the war for a
period of more than half a centur.y he has been active on the old
farm, and is now owner of 290 acres of land. He has been a prom-
inent figure in the live stock industry of the county and has fed and
bred many cattle and has also been a breeder of Shetland pojiies.
Mr. Doke married for his first wife Miss Mary A. Scott, who died
leaving no children. By his second marriage, to flattie "Wr'ght, he
has one daughter, Mary "W., who is a gi'aduate of the common schools
and the Pierceton High School. Mr. Doke is a member of the Presby-
terian Church and fraternally is affiliated with Pierceton Lodge No.
377, Ancient Free and Accepted I\Iasnns, Chapter No 88, Warsaw
Council, Royal and Select Masons, and the Knight Templar Com-
mandery No. 10 at W^arsaw. In politics he is a democrat and has
648 HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY
always sustained his part as a public-spirited citizen of the com-
munity.
George E. Swongee learned his business as a farmer and stock-
man when a boy in Marshall County and having added to knowledge
and experience the qualities of industry and prudence has been get-
ting steadily ahead in the world since he began his independent
career. For a number of years he has lived in Kosciusko County and
now has one of the well managed farms of Wa.yne Township, located
on the Fort Wayne Eoad six miles southeast of Warsaw on rural
route No. 6.
Mr. Swonger was born in Marshall County, Indiana, July 20,
1871, son of James A. and Elizabeth (Shreck) Swonger. His father
was born in Cumberland County and his mother in Dolphin County,
Pennsylvania. Both went when young to Crawford County, Ohio,
locating between Bucyrus and Gallon. Elizabeth Shreck 's father
owned a tavern in that locality and she grew up there and married.
In the spring of 1871 the Swonger family moved to Marshall County,
Indiana, where the parents spent the rest of their years. They were
members of the Evangelical Church. James A. Swonger was twice
married and had two children by each wife. George E. is the young-
est of these children. He has one half-brother still living.
Mr. Swonger was born near Bourbon, Indiana, and had a district
school education. To the age of twentj'-one he was at home and after
that he farmed the old homestead until he was thii'ty-four. The
place was then sold and the proceeds divided between him and his
half brother. j\Ir. Swonger then came to Kosciusko County and
bought the eighty-acre farm in Wayne County which he now occupies
and manages.
October 28, 1900, he mamed Miss Cora Cress. Mrs. Swonger was
born and reared in Washington Township of this county. Four chil-
dren have been born to their marriage : Willard, Margaret, Leah and
Floyd. They are members of the United Brethren Church and in
politics Mr. Swonger is a republican.
Andrew Peterson. Members of the Peterson family have been
closely identified with Kosciusko County for more than half a cen-
tury. One of the principal business men at Warsaw is now David A.
Peterson, proprietor of the Peterson Lumber Company. He is a
son of the late Andrew Peterson, who died in Warsaw in 1870. It
was he who founded the family in Kosciusko Count.y, and something
of his career should be given a permanent record where it may be
read by following generations.
A native of Southeastern Ohio, Andrew Peterson was reared in
that state, and became a farmer and sawmill operator. For a time
he lived in Iowa but about 1859 he moved into Kosciusko County, and
for four j-ears lived near Silver Lake in this county. In 1864 he
moved his residence to Warsaw and was first in the contracting and
later in the grocery business. He was one of Warsaw's leading mer-
chants at the time of his death.
HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY 649
The first year after he located in Warsaw he was elected a justice
of the peace and continued to administer that office throughout the
remainder of his life. In politics he was a republican of the stalwart
kind, and was active and devout as a Baptist, serving as deacon in
the church before coming to Kosciusko County. He is remembered
as a man of medium height, but was rather large and weighed over
200 pounds. Courteous in demeanor and strictly just and up-
right in his intercourse with his fellow men, he at once made friends
and retained them, and was universally respected for his many sterling
qualities of mind and heart. In his home he was kind, and instead
of commanding obedience through fear he governed entirely b.y love.
Few fathers were ever better loved or respected. He selected for his
life's companion Martha Linn. They became the parents of seven chil-
dren, five of them still living. Two sons, Sylvanus and John A., both
served their country during the Civil war, and the former gave up his
life for his country.
David A. Petei-son, one of the younger children of the late Andrew
Peterson and wife, was born at Waterloo, Iowa, where his parents were
living temporarily, on August 29, 1858. He was only six months of
age when the family moved to Kosciusko County, and since then his
home has never been outside the county limits. The local public
schools supplied his early education, and during much of his boyhood
he assisted in conducting a grocery business at Warsaw. In March,
1889, he was appointed to the United States railway mail service, and
for the first six months traveled from Michigan City to Indianapolis.
After that his run was between Pittsburg and Chicago over the Pitts-
burg, Fort Wayne & Chicago Railway.
Resigning from the mail service in March, 1897, Mr. Peterson in
conjunction with Silas Meyers, his partner, engaged in the retail lum-
ber business at Warsaw In April, 1902, he became sole owner, and
has since conducted this large and completely stocked yard as the
Peterson Lumber Company, and is its sole owner. Politically Mr.
Peterson is a i-epublican, and he is a popular member of the Knights
of Pythias, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and the In-
dependent Order of Odd Fellows.
John F. Boyee is one of the substantial agriculturists of Kosciusko
County who have made their way against obstacles and difficulties,
and with practically nothing but the work of his bare hands to begin
with has effected a good home, gained prosperity and achieved a com-
mendable position in the community. The Boyer home is a mile and
three quarters east of Piereeton on rural route No. 1 in Washington
Township.
Mr. Boyer represents some of the old families of Kosciusko County.
He was born in Jackson Township near Sidney, February 27, 1875,
son of Jacob and Leah (Hoppis) Boyer. His father was born in Sen-
eca County, Ohio, and when a boy came with his father to Kosciusko
Countj', the family first locating in Clay Township and afterwards
in Jackson Township. Leah Hoppis was born in Kosciusko County,
daughter of Christopher Hoppis. Both parents grew to maturity in
650 HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY
that section of Kosciusko County and after their marriage settled on
the farm where they are still living. All their nine children are liv-
ing, namely : Loretta, wife of William Deemer : John F. ; Charles,
who married Josie Snyder: Ellen, wife of Albert Beber ; William, who
married Myrtle Metzger ; Pearl, wife of Scott Keeper, of Warsaw;
Merle and ilyrtle 'SI., twins, the former unmarried and the latter the
wife of Lloyd Hunter ; and Hersehel, who married Lena Hoover.
John F. Boyer grew up on the old Jackson Township farm, and had
his education in the district schools. At the age of twenty-one he
left home and began working as a farm hand by the month. On De-
cember 25, 1898, he married Miss Minerva Krider, who was born in
Lake Township of this county July 31, 1878, daughter of Monroe
Krider. Mrs. Boyer was reared and educated in Lake Township.
After their marriage they lived in Lake Town.ship and ^Ir. Boyer
continued working by the month for some time. He acquired the first
land of his own when he bought eleven acres, but after living on this
tract for a year or so sold it and moved to the George A. Lepper farm
in Washington Township. He rented there three years and then
bought the place he now lives on, consisting of 61i,o acres, a farm that
he has brought to an enviable state of improvement and production.
Mr. and ilrs. Boyer have had three children, but one died in in-
fancy. The son Arthur is now a student in the common schools, and
Alene is two years old. They are members of the Brethren Church at
Sidney and Mr. Boyer is affiliated with the Moose Lodge at Warsaw
and is a democrat in politics.
Thomas A. Hoover. One of the oldest and most prominent fami-
lies of Kosciusko County, in the State of Indiana, is represented by Mr.
Thomas A. Hoover, a well known retired farmer who still lives in his
country home half a mile east of Pierceton. He is a son of Alfred
Hoover, grandson of Henry Hoover, and great-grandson of Andrew
Hoover.
The Hoover family was brought to America in the person of three
brothers from Germany, all of whom first settled on Pipe Creek in
Maryland. Subsequently two of them moved into Pennsylvania, while
the other branch of the family went to Randolph County, North Caro-
lina, and became identified with a Quaker settlement there. Andrew
Hoover in 1807 brought his family west from North Carolina, first lo-
cating at Dayton, Ohio, and soon afterward moving to Wayne County,
Indiana, where the.v fere among the first pioneers of that wilderness
section. Andrew Hoover had sevei-al sons, including Heniy and David
Hoover. David Hoover with other membei-s of the family acquired a
large tract of land and he was responsible for laying out the towni
which is now the city of Richmond. He gave the name to that town.
Henry Hoover, grandfather of Thomas A., was born in North Caro-
lina September 22, 1788, and was about nineteen years old when his
parents came out to Indiana. Though he had a limited education, he
fitted himself by reading and study for some of the higher responsibili-
ties of public as well as private life. In 1825 he was elected a mem-
ber of the first Legislature that convened at Indianapolis. In 1832
HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY 651
General Lewis Cass, secretary of war, appointed him secretary of the
commission to hold two Indian Treaties. Henry Hoover married in
Wayne County Susanah Clark. After his marriage he settled at
Whitewater in Wayne County and in 1830 bought a farm in the vi-
cinity of Washington in that county, where his wife died August 9,
1853. In December, 1854, he married Jlrs. Lydia C. Vaughan, and in
1855 he moved to Richmond and lived in that city until his death,
July 23, 1868, in his eightieth year. He was reared a Friend, but
rather late in life joined the Methodist Church. He could not be-
come accustomed to the forms and ceremonies of that church, which
were much at variance with the simple worship of his boyhood, and
strenuously opposed the introduction of organs and choirs. Thus
during the last years of his life he was again a member of the
Society of Friends at Richmond. The children of this honored pioneer
were : Alfred ; Mary, who became the wife of David Culbertson, of
Iowa; Ann, who married Thomas Harvey: Martha, who married
Daniel Culbertson ; Allen, who moved out oflowa ; Daniel, who became
a resident of Kosciusko County ; and Henry, who was also an Iowa
resident. It is a matter of widespread interest at the present time that
of these children Allen Hoover was the grandfather of the present
Herbert Hoover, food commissioner of the United States.
Alfred Hoover, father of Thomas A., was born near Richmond,
Indiana, March 8, 1811, grew up on a farm and was with his parents
until the age of twenty-seven. On February 9, 1837, he married Miss
Mary Allred, a native of Ohio, though married in Wayne County, In-
diana, where her parents were pioneers. She was the daughter of
Thomas and Margaret (Allred) Allred, who came from North Carolina
to Ohio about 1808, and her father subsequently served in the War of
1812. After his marriage Alfred Hoover lived on a farm in Wayne
County until 1853, when he sold his possessions and moved to Kos-
ciusko County and settled on land in Washington Township. A num-
ber of years before, in 1837, he had acquired it dii-ect from the Govern-
ment. He owned 320 acres. At the beginning this land was covered
with poplar and walnut timber, but gradually it was cleared away, and
cultivated fields took its place. Alfred Hoover served several times as
trustee of Washington Township, and was always loyal to the church
in which he had been reared. His wife was a Methodist. He was one
of the quiet and substantial citizens of Kosciusko County until his
death. He became a man of wide information through his studious at-
tention to books, and was a man above the ordinary in character and
general information. He and his wife had ten children, seven of
whom are still living : Franklin of Kosciusko County ; Thomas A. ;
John, who served as a soldier in the Civil war and is a resident of
Cambridge City, Indiana ; Henry, of Kosciusko Countv ; Marv, widow
of Rev. M. H. Smith ; Gertrude, wife of Joseph Snyder, of LaGrange,
Indiana ; Lillie, wife of Mart M. Bradwick.
Thomas A. Hoover was born in Wayne County, near Richmond,
October 15, 1841, and was twelve years old when tlie familv moved to
Kosciusko County. He attended the public schools of Washington
Township and after reaching manhood he enlisted, in 1864, in Com-
652 HISTORY OP KOSCIUSKO COUNTY
pany E of the Oue Hundred Thirty-eighth Indiana Infantry. He saw
some active service during the six months he was in the arm.y aud was
granted an honorable discharge. Following the war he took up farm-
ing, and that was his steady vocation until he retired.
In 1878 Mr. Hoover married Elizabeth Heagy, who was born in
Wayne County, Indiana, December 11. 1850, daughter of John and
Sarah Heagy. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Hoover located
on the farm where they have lived now continuously for forty years
and where their labors and mutual sacrifices have brought them ample
prosperity.
Two children were born to them, Edna and Florence E. The lat-
ter died at the age of sixteen. Edna was born in 1879, graduated from
the common schools and studied in high school and is now the wife of
Alvin B. Rusher. Mr. and Mrs. Rusher had one child, Robert H., who
died when seven months old.
The family are active members of the ]\Iethodist Epicopal Church
at Pierceton. Mr. Hoover has been one of its most liberal supporters
for a number of years. His daughter Edna is secretary of the "Wom-
an's Missionary Society. Mr. Hoover is past commander and present
adjutant of John ilurray Post of the Grand Army of the Republic, is
a past grand of Pierceton Lodge No. 257 of the Independent Order of
Odd Fellows, and past chief patriarch of the Encampment. Politically
he is a republican, and in his younger years was a man of much influ-
ence in local politics in this section.
Amos Ringle. It was forty years ago when Amos Ringle first be-
came acquainted with Kosciusko County. For more than a quarter of
a century he has been a continuous resident of Warsaw, and until re-
cently was proprietor of one of the largest and best known mercantile
establishments in that city. His standing as a business man and citi-
zen is above question, and those who know Amos Ringle best know
that his spoken promise can be relied upon.
By birth he is a native of one of Ohio's oldest counties. He was
born near ]Minerva in Stark County, the county seat of which is
Canton, on January 21, 1854. He is one of the seven surviving children
in the family of eight born to John and Sophia (Bortz) Ringle. who
were natives of Westmoreland County, Penns.vlvania, and Stark
County, Ohio, respectively. Mr. Ringle 's grandfather was also named
John Ringle. The latter did teaming across the mountains to Pennsyl-
vania before railroads were constructed and he also operated a small
farm. He was of German stock but his wife was a native of Ireland.
Grandfather John Ringle 's father had served in the Revolutionary
war and was with Washington in the terrible winter spent at Valley
Forge. John Ringle, father of Amos, left his parents' home in Penn-
sylvania and went to Stark County, Ohio, where he met and married
Miss Sophia Bortz. He died in Stark County about forty years ago,
while Mrs. Ringle died in 1913. One of their sons, the oldest of the
family, served his country during the Civil war and is now living in
Canton, and the son of this old veteran, named Homer, saw active serv-
ice in the Spanish-American war.
HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY 653
On the old home farm in Stark County Amos Ringle spent his
youth and early manhood. His experiences were not different from
those of other Ohio boys of the time. He attended district schools, and
learned how to work on the farm. In 1875, at the age of twenty-one,
he came to Kosciusko County. The presence of a number of his moth-
er's relatives in the county was what brought him here. He soon
afterwards secured a school to teach, known as the Best school, south
of Nappanee. He continued teaching for three yeai's and used the
proceeds of that work to defray his expenses at Professor Reubert's
school at Bourbon.
About 1878 Jlr. Ringle went to Emporia, Kansas, where for eight
years he was engaged in the retail grocery business and also acquired
ownership of several ranches in that section of Kansas. In 1889 he
returned to Kosciusko County and for seven years was in the furniture
house of R. H. Hitzler at Warsaw. He then engaged in the furniture
business on his own account and developed a trade and maintained a
stock in furniture and kindred lines second to none in Kosciusko
County. Mr. Ringle sold out his furniture industry in December, 1917,
and is now retired from active business.
In politics he is a democrat, and is a member of the Knights of the
Maccabees. On April 15, 1878, he married Miss Priscilla Shaffer. Her
father, Henry Shaffer, had for many years been a well known farmer
and citizen of Kosciusko County. Mr. and Mrs. Ringle are members of
the Methodist Episcopal Church. To their marriage were born three
children: IVIabel died at the age of twenty-one. Jessie Ethel died at
eighteen months. The only one now living is Benjamin Franklin.
William W. Gilliam. About forty-five years ago when William
W. Grilliam married, he had a very small piece of land as a start
towards farming, and since then his own energies and sound intelli-
gence have enabled him to accumulate a property which makes him
one of the leading farmers and land owners of Wayne Township.
Mr. Gilliam was born in Washington Township of this county
April 26, 1850, son of William F. and Mary Elizabeth (:Morris) Gil-
liam. His father was born in Virginia, and on reaching his majority
moved to Ohio and from Payette County, that state, came to Kosciusko
County in the fall of 1845. He lived in Washington Township for
some years and later moved to Tippecanoe Township, where he had
a farm. In that locality he died September 5, 1882, when nearly sixty-
seven years of age. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal
Church. Mary Elizabeth Morris was a native of Ohio and survived her
husband. They were the parents of twelve children, those still living
being as follows : Clavin, who served as a soldier in the Union army
and is now a stock buyer at Warsaw; Minerva, who lives in Rich
Creek; William W. ; Angeline, wife of Nathaniel Hover; Emma, wife
of French Berry ; Edward, of LaGrange County, Indiana ; and Hattie,
wife of Harry Kelley, of Warsaw.
William W. Gilliam grew up on the old farm in Tippecanoe Town-
ship. He had a common school education and was at home with his
parents until twenty-one, when he started out to carve his own for-
tune in the world.
654 HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY
111 1872 he married iliss Mary C. Baker, a native of Kosciusko
County. His career has been spent as a progressive farmer of this
county. He now owns 330 acres comprising his home place in Wayne
Township and also has 145 acres in LaGrange Count.y. He combines
good stock with productive fields, and his farm is one of the chief pro-
ducing centers of agricultural supplies in the county.
Mr. and Mrs. Gilliam have three children : Mabel, who finished her
education in high school and is now the widow of George A. Snyder
of Warsaw; Mary, a graduate of the common schools and wife of
William R. Hall, of Warsaw ; and Fred E., who was educated in the
public schools and is a farmer in Plain Township. He married Irene
Hill.
Mr. Gilliam and family are members of the Progressive Brethren
Church at Warsaw and he is "one of the deacons. Politically he is a
republican and is at present serving on the Township Advisory Board.
Rev. George H. Thayer. Hon. John D. Thayer. For a period
of more than fifty-five years the name Thayer has been one of greatest
significance in Kosciusko County, ilembers of the family have been
effective upholders of the Christian religion and every phase of mor-
ality and intellectual and spiritual progress. They have been business
men of more than ordinai-y ability, have been leaders in public af-
fairs, and the City of Warsaw in particular has cause to remember
their attainments and influence with gratitude.
The Rev. George H. Thayer was best known to this community and
all over Northern Indiana as a pioneer Methodist preacher, one who
was a true missionary and carried the Gospel word to many isolated
communities. He was born December 29, 1807, in Brown County,
New York. His father was James Thayer, a native of Massachusetts
and of colonial ancestry. James Thayer served as captain of a com-
pany of militia during the War of 1812. Rev. George H. Thayer was
graduated from Onondaga Academy and both prior to his graduation
and afterwards he taught school. When about eighteen years of age
he was converted and joined the Methodist Church. In 1836 he en-
tered the ministry and for a number of .years pursued the work with-
out compensation, undertaking the arduous role of the itinerant min-
ister, walking and riding horseback for miles to keep his appointments.
He is properly remembered among the pioneer evangelists of that
faith in Northern Indiana. In 1845 he located at Peru, Indiana, and
three years later moved to Marshall County. From there in 1859 he
came to Bourbon in Kosciusko County, and laid out Thayer's Addi-
tion to that town. Rev. George H. Tha.yer was a man of strong force
of character, was public spirited, an earnest worker on matters per-
taining to religious and educational development, and for these and
many other reasons his life .should be a matter of record in Kosciusko
County. He was not only devoted to his duty as he saw it, but was an
original and profound thinker on many subjects, and a man of en-
lightened opinions and convictions. He cast his fii-st presidential
ballot for Andrew Jackson, but later became a whig, and still later
supported the republican principles. He was a Knight Templar in the
HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY 655
JMasonie fraternity. His death occurred December 6, 1899, at the ad-
vanced age of ninety-two yeai-s. His first wife was Hannah Griffin,
who died in 1865. She was the mother of three children : Henry G.,
John D. and Frances Augusta. Both the sons became prominent men
in Indiana. In 1867 Rev. Mr. Thayer married Mrs. Amelia Crockett.
To that union were born two daug^hters : Lillie and Emma G.
Hon. John D. Thayer, who left an indelible impress not only upon
business affairs but upon the public life of Kosciusko County, was one
of the sons of the late Rev. George H. Thayer. John D. Thayer was
born in Syracuse, New York, May 27, 1840, and when about five years
of age accompanied his father to Peru, Indiana, spent part of his early
youth in Marshall County, and went with his father to Bourbon in
Kosciusko County in 1859, and helped the latter develop a farm there.
Thus the early circumstances of John D. Thayer were those of a rural
community. He gained his education in district schools and came to
manhood "on the old farm near Bourbon. He also supplemented his
early education by a course in DePauw University at Greeneastle,
Indiana. He had also taught school prior to going to college.
It was his early ambition to become a lawyer, though destiny over-
ruled and his life work was chieflv in business and industrial affairs.
He lived at both Bourbon and Plymouth for several years, and at
Plymouth clerked for a brother in a grocery store. Subsequently the
two brothers engaged in the grain business.
In 1862 John D. Thayer married Sara Erwin, daughter of Eli.iah
and Mary (Scott) Erwin, who were Quaker settlers in Mar.shall
County, Indiana. About a year after his marriage Mr. Thayer moved
to "Warsaw, and that city was thenceforth his home. "With his brother
Henry G. he bought the mill west of the square which originally was
built by Colonel Chapman. This industry they operated for a num-
ber of years. In 1876 John D. Thayer bought the Big Four grain ele-
vator, and operated it until he sold the building to J. F. Beyer to be
used as a bam. He next bought the elevator originally owned by Sam-
uel Oldfather. He continued in the elevator and grain business until
his death.
In many ways Mr. Thaj^er was prominently identified with the
affaii-s of "Warsaw. He was an ardent republican and was twice hon-
ored by election to the Lower House of the State Lecrislature, and
once to the State Senate. He was fiot a silent member of the legislative
body, but did much to shape legislation during his term of service. He
was author of some of the measures still found on the statute books
of the state. Fraternally he was active in the Masonic Order, attained
the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite, and was also a Knight
Templar. Anything that was undertaken to make a better and greater
city was sure to appeal to him, and he took a great deal of pride in the
prosperity and welfare of his own community, and in every way possi-
ble assisted its progress.
This sterling citizen of "Warsaw passed away January 28, 1895. He
and his wife were the parents of six children, two of whom died in in-
fancy, and the other four are Mattie 0., now Mrs. E. E. Hcndee, of
Vol. n— 18
656 HISTOEY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY
San Diego, California ; Jessie ; Harry D., a resident of California ; and
Mary.
Mrs. Thayer was of the Quaker religious belief, but owing to the fact
that there was no organization of Quakers at Warsaw she and the rest
of her family attended the Presbyterian Church. In her younger days
she taught school, and through all her life she kept in close touch with
educational affairs. She was an able helper and adviser to the able
man with whom she lived for a period of thirty-three years. Her death
occurred September 10, 1914. She took a very active part with other
Warsaw women in the work of the W. C. T. U., and some forty years
ago she was one of the participants in the liquor crusades. She was
also a member of the Zerelda Reading Club, and she and Mr. Thayer
were among the charter members of the local chapter of the Order of
Eastern Star.
John S. Conklin has become well known to different farming sec-
tions in Kosciusko County as a veteran thresherman. He has been
operating threshing outfits over this district for over twenty-five years.
Mr. Conklin is also a practical farmer and his home is 2yo miles south-
east of Warsaw.
He was born on the southeast corner section of Wayne Township
on February 8, 1869, son of Cyrus E. and Isabel J. (Lvicas) Conklin.
Mr. Conklin grew up on the farm where he was born and attended the
district schools to the age of eighteen. After that he worked at home
and at the age of twenty-one, on July 12, 1890, married Miss Laura J.
Walker. Mrs. Conklin was born half a mile north of her husband's
birthplace, and they attended the same school and were in the same
After their marriage they took charge of the Conklin home farm,
later lived on the Walker farm, and from that moved to another place
nearby. When twenty-five years old, in 1895, Mr. Conklin bought his
first threshing outfit and has been continuously in the business with all
the changes and incidents thereto for more than twenty-five years. He
is now using his fourth outfit, which represents a remarkable advance
over the first machinery, which at the time was the best on the
market. Mr. Conklin had the distinction of operating the first wind
stacker over a district between the Nickel Plate Railroad and the
Pennsylvania lines.
Mr. and Mrs. Conklin have seven living children. Frank, a grad-
uate of the Warsaw High School and who also studied at Winona, be-
came first sergeant in the One Hundred and Thirteenth Mobile Ord-
nance repair shops and now in France. Harry, who also represents
the family in armj^ service, is a graduate of the common schools and is
a member of Battery D of the One Hundred Thirty-seventh Field Ar-
tillery and now in New Jersey. IMaiy is a graduate of the common
schools and is the wife of Carl Funk. Eva is still at home and Zola
May and Lola Faj% twins, born December 17, 1911, have recently be-
gun their school careers. The youngest of the family is Ralph, aged
five yeai-s.
Mr. Conklin is affiliated with Lodge No. 515 of the Independent
HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY 657
Order of Odd Fellows at Claypool and is also a member of the Loyal
Order of Moose. Politically he votes as a democrat in national affairs,
but is liberal and gives his support to the best man in local questions.
Jacob W. Matz, who has a fine farm property in the northeast cor-
ner of Wayne Township, is of that type of citizens who begin life with-
out special advantages or the inheritance of means except the ability
to toil and make the best of environment.
He has proved himself one of the sturdy characters of Kosciusko
County, and though he and his wife had absolutely nothing when they
married they are now possessed of some valuable property and have
gained an enviable station in life.
Mr. Matz was born in Franklin County, Ohio, April 18, 1860, son
of Daniel and Mary A. (Matz) Matz. Both parents were natives of
Berks County, Pennsylvania. They spent their last years in Ohio.
Of their six children five are still living : Sidney ; Orlando Franklin ;
Ida J., a graduate of the Wooster High School and of Akron College,
and now a teacher in the schools of Akron ; and Ella, wife of Loren
Lounsbury, of Akron.
Jacob W. Matz grew to manhood in Wayne County, Ohio, and was
educated in the district schools. He was only thirteen when he started
to make his own living. For several years he worked on a farm at
wages of only $4 a month. On the 24th of December, 1882, he arrived
in Kosciusko County. He was poor and practically a stranger, and
for several years he continued to do farm work at wages.
On November 19, 1885, he married Lydia Freesner. Mrs. Matz
was born in Hocking County, Ohio, and was two years old when her
parents moved to Kosciusko County, where she grew up and received
her education in the district schools, and she also taught school in the
county. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Matz rented land in the
county until 1900, when they achieved one definite advance in pros-
perity by purchasing seventy-three acres of land where they now live.
Since then other items have iDeen added to their prosperity, and besides
they have twenty-five acres in Tippecanoe Township and fifty acres in
Plain Township.
Mr. and Mrs. Matz have also been active in the affairs of their com-
munity and are members of the Progressive Brethren Church at Dutch-
town. In politics Mr. Matz is a republican. He and his wife have
three children : Ida A., a graduate of the common schools and wife of
R. W. Kile; Anna, who has finished the work of the common schools
and lives at home ; and Luella, who is also at home. All are graduates
of the common schools.
John D. Goddard, owner of one of the largest farms of Kosciusko
County, has spent practically all his life in Indiana, and is an honored
surviving veteran of the Civil war. He fought valiantly for the cause
of the Union, and his entire career may be described as a battle, since
he had to struggle for his own living when a mere boy. With the aid
of a good wife he has acquired substantial means and is one of the
658 HISTOEY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY
leading men of this county. His farm home is in section 2 of Wayne
Township.
Mr. Goddard was bom in Tippecanoe County, Indiana, near Battle-
ground, November 9, 1842, son of Benjamin H. and Nancy (Deardofif)
Goddard. His father was a native of the State of Maine and his
mother of Ohio. Both families were pioneers in Tippecanoe County,
Indiana, where Benjamin Goddard and wife married and where they
lived on a farm until 1846. In that year they removed to Newton
County, Indiana, which was then just beginning to be settled. Benja-
min Goddard died there in 1847. His wife married again and survived
him nearly fifty years. She passed away at Morocco, Indiana, in 1904.
Benjamin Goddard and wife had five children : Sarah Ann, who died
in 1874; Matilda, widow of Lafayette McCullough, living at Leon,
Kansas ; Catherine, widow of Finlcy Shaffer, a soldier of the Civil war ;
John D. ; Melissa, wife of John Smart, living near Morocco. The sec-
ond husband of Nancy Goddard was Andrew ^Murphy, who gave up his
life as a soldier of the Union during the Civil war.
John D. Goddard started to make his own way in the world when
only ten .years old. He was employed at monthly wages on a fann to
the age of eighteen. He responded with all he had to the call of
President Lincoln for volunteers to put down the rebellion and on
September 7, 1861, enlisted in Company D of the Ninth Indiana In-
fantry. He was with the regiment on constant duty until mus-
tered out three years later in September, 1864. He was wounded in
the great battle of Chiekamauga. His first battle was at Greenbrier,
following which he participated at Stone River, Chiekamauga, and a
number of the battles leading up to the Atlanta campaign. Following
the war he returned to Newton County, Indiana, and resumed his ca-
reer as a farmer.
On February 15, 1866, Mr. Goddard married Mary J. Kessler.
Mrs. Goddard was born in Newton County September 4, 1845, daugh-
ter of David and Rachel (Fisher) Kessler. Her father was a native of
Virginia and her mother of Indiana. Her parents were the first couple
married at Battle Ground. Mrs. Goddard was reared in Jasper
County, now Newton County, Indiana. Her father was a stanch re-
publican and a member of the United Brethren Church.
After their marriage Mr. and ^Irs. Goddard settled on the farm of
his father-in-law, and later he bought the farm and was greatly pros-
pered as a farmer in Newton County until he left there in 1901 and
came to Warsaw. In Kosciusko County Mr. Goddard has invested
heavily in land and now owns 535 acres.
Mr. Goddard is one of the interesting men who voted for President
Lincoln during the Civil war times. He became a republican then and
has always been true to the doctrines of the party. He and his wife are
members of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Warsaw, and he is
afiSliated with his old army comrades in the Grand Ai-my Post.
Mr. and Mrs. Goddard have had the following children : Clara, of
Denver, Colorado; Anna, deceased; Rachel Raye, wife of Alexander
Craig, of Bristow, Connecticut ; William, who owns a farm in Call-
HISTORY OP KOSCIUSKO COUNTY 659
fornia ; Belle, wife of Charles Hines and living in San Francisco ; and
Blanche, wife of Clint Dederich, of Warsaw.
William H. Orr. The winning of a comfortable prosperity after
many struggles with fortune and the establishment of a home and
place as an honored and influential citizen of his community is a short
measure of the accomplishment of William H. Orr, who for many
years has been identified with Kosciusko County. Mr. Orr is proprie-
tor of the well known Brookside Farm, comprising 160 acres 314 miles
northeast of Warsaw in Wayne County.
He is a native of Waj-ne County, Ohio. His first place was in Orr-
ville, a town which was laid out by three brothers. Smith, James and
Samuel Orr, all of whom emigrated from Ireland, first settling in Phila-
delphia and from there going to Wayne County, Ohio, when it was a
wilderness connnunity. Of these three brothers James Orr was grand-
father of William H. Orr. His children were named Barr R., Samuel,
James, William, Henry, Elizabeth, ]\Iariah, Margaret, Mary, Amanda.
Samuel Orr, the father of William H. Orr, married Mary McClel-
lan, of Apple Creek. They had two children, William H. and Ann
Eliza, the latter dying at "the age of fourteen. Samuel Orr died in
Ohio, and his widow, about 1852, brought her family to Indiana, locat-
ing at Andereon, and about 1855 going by ox team to Noble County,
Indiana.
When he was sixteen years old William H. Orr left home and
started to make his own living. He had the equipment of a district
school education. After some years of self support he entered, at the
age of twenty-three, Valparaiso College and was graduated in the
teachers and business course. For a time he was located at Ligonier,
and for about eighteen years was in business in Northern Indiana and
Southern Michigan. In April, 1891, he traded for a farm and later
bought his present place, the Brookside Farm in Kosciusko County.
Mr. Orr has four children : Mabel, wife of Homer Van Curen ; Iva,
wife of Walter Hover ; Mary, wife of Earl D. Keefer ; and William A.,
who is a graduate of the Warsaw High School and is still at home. The
family are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Morris
Chapel, and Mr. Orr is one of the trustees. He is affiliated with the
Knights of the Maccabees at Ligonier and in politics is a democrat.
Judge William Orr, a prominent figure in the bar and afi'airs of
Wayne County, Ohio, is a first cousin of Mr. Orr's father.
H.vuRY L.VTHROPE is ouc of the oldest residents of Kosciusko County.
He has been identified with the county in the capacity of a substantial
mechanical workman or as a farmer for fully half a century. He is
now proprietor of a good farm of forty acres known as the Silvias
Ramble Farm, located SVo miles southeast of Warsaw in Wayne Town-
ship, on rural route No. 6.
Mr. Lathrope is a native of England, having been born at Denby
Dale in Yorkshire April 8, 1849. He was sixteen years old when he
came with his parents to the United States in August, 1865. The
family located at Warsaw, where Harry Lathrope grew to maturity.
660 HISTOKY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY
He was educated in the schools of England, and spent a three years'
apprenticeship learning the blacksmith's trade.
ilr. Lathrope married Huldah Elder. Mrs. Lathrope was born 51/2
miles from "Wai-saw in Washington Township September 25, 1858.
After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Lathrope located at Warsaw, where
he followed his trade for many years. In 1910 they moved to their
present comfortable home in the country. They became the parents of
two children, both deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Lathrope made a trip
back to England in April. 1892, and spent several months in the old
eountrj- visiting friends and familiar scenes. Mr. Lathrope is a mem-
ber of the Church of England and is a republican in politics.
JoNATH.\N Wyland. Some highly developed farms lie along rural
route No. 6 out of Warsaw in Wayne Township, and one of them is
the place of Jonathan Wyland in the southeast comer of that town-
ship, in section 36. Mr. Wyland has given a good account of his en-
ergies and abilities and deserves to rank well to the front among the
farming men of one of the richest agricultural sections of Indiana.
]\Ir. Wyland is a native of Kosciusko County, bom in Tippecanoe
Township April 22, 1862, son of Jonathan and Kebecca (Bowman)
Wyland. His father was a native of Ohio and his mother of Penn-
sylvania. Both parents came to Indiana in early days, the Wylands lo-
cating in Kosciusko County and the Bowmans in Noble County. Jon-
athan, Sr., and wife after marriage located on a farm in Tippecanoe
Township, where he entered 126 acres of government land, and there
they spent their useful careers. Both were active Christians, and very
fine people. Of their fifteen children the following are still living:
Daniel, of ^Michigan : Nathaniel, of Oregon ; Alfred, of Michigan ; Ford,
who lives in the State of Washington ; Emanuel, of Kosciusko County ;
Elizabeth, wife of Emanuel Fanciel, of Noble County, Indiana ; Mary
M., wife of Daniel Llewellyn, of Elkhart County, Indiana; and
Jonathan.
Jonathan Wyland grew up on the old homestead in Tippecanoe
Township and was educated in the district schools. At the age of
twenty he started to make his own living and did farm work until his
marriage in December, 1885, to Miss Caroline Mindline, of Tippecanoe
Township. Mrs. Wyland is a native of Ohio, but has spent most of her
life in Kosciusko County.
The first live years after his marriage ilr. Wyland did farming
and saw milling and in 1890 moved to Waj-ne Township, and has
owned and occupied his present home in the southeast quarter of that
township since 1910. By the united industry and economy of himself
and good wife he has built up a fine estate of 180 acres. His reputation
as a farmer is most widely known as a successful breeder of Shorthorn
cattle. His herd is headed by Wai-saw Victor. He also breeds Duroc
and Poland China hogs. He is a prohibitionist in politics and is very
active in the United Brethren Church.
He and his wife have two children : Lester E., born May 20, 1891,
is a graduate of the common schools and of Winona Academy in 1910,
and by his marriage to Margaret Hiekok has four children, named
HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY 661
Margaret, Rose M. and Catherine, twins, and Florence V. Both he
and his family are members of the United Brethren Church. Devona,
the second child, born Februarj' 22, 1897, is the wife of Royee Harsh-
mer, of Wayne Township.
Homer T. Menzie is one of the residents of Kosciusko County with
whom love of land, of peace and industry is a dominant characteristic.
Mr. ilenzie has one of the good farms seven miles east of "Warsaw, on
rural route No. 3, and does a splendid business in general farming and
stock raising.
He was born at the place he now owns December 24, 1884, son of
William T. and Emily (Groves) Menzie. His parents were also born in
Kosciusko County and represented early pioneer families here. The
mother was born in Washington Township October 8, 1848. After
their marriage they settled on the farm where their son Homer now
lives, and the father lived there until his death on December 8, 1885.
There were five children: Verna, wife of H. C. Rosselot, of Long
Beach, California; Ada, wife of D. F. Van Nattor, on a farm in Wash-
ington Township ; Mary, wife of F. P. Benton, at Warsaw; and A. G.,
who is foreman for the Winona Electric Light & Water Company.
Homer T. Menzie grew up on the old homestead, gained his educa-
tion in the common schools, and was reared and trained in the occu-
pation which he has followed chiefly throughout his active career. On
reaching manhood he went east and for eleven months was foreman
in the plant of the New York Glucose Company at Jersey City and was
also weighmaster for the same company. After his marriage he re-
turned to Kosciusko County and has been busily engaged in farming,
supervising his fields and crops, and he also buys carload lots of live-
stock, pasturing and finishing them for market.
Mr. Menzie married Miss Ethel Smith, daughter of G. J. Smith of
Kosciusko County. She was born in Wayne Township and was edu-
cated in the common schools. They have three children : Lucile, aged
ten; Audra, aged nine; and Morris J., aged seven. The family are
members of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Morris Chapel and
Mr. Menzie is one of the official board and has served as superintendent
of the Sunday school. He is a republican in politics.
George B. Salmon is one of Kosciusko County's well known citi-
zens who started life without particular advantages and assets and by
self denial, thrift and industry gradually accumulated those means
which represent financial independence. He is now possessor of a
good farm home in Washington Township, a mile south and 11/2 miles
west of Pierceton, on rural route No. 3.
Mr. Salmon is a native of Whitley County, Indiana, born near Lar-
well July 13, 1866. His parents were Benjamin B. and Susanna (Sick-
afoose) Salmon. His father was born near Marietta in Washington
County, Ohio, and his mother was a native of the same state. When
he was three years old his parents moved to Delaware County, Ohio,
where he grew up to the age of twenty-one and then came to Indiana in
1843 and located a mile north of Larwell, where he was one of the
662 HISTOEY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY
early settlers. His wife's people had come to Indiana in 1837 and es-
tablished their home near Lee's Corners in Cleveland Township of
"Whitley County, where the maternal grandparents of George B. Sal-
mon spent their last years. Benjamin B. Salmon married in ^Yhitley
County and was one of the substantial farmers and highlj- respected
citizens of the Larwell community until his death in 1894. He and his
wife had three children, Michael dying at the age of six years. Delia,
who was born in 1864, became the wife of Rev. C. A. Bellheimer, of
Elwood, Indiana.
George B. Salmon had the old farm in Whitley County as the scene
of his j-outh and in that locality he attended the common schools to the
age of fourteen. After that he was on his own responsibility and
worked at any honorable occupation he could find.
After considerable experience and with a view to a settled future
he married on Jlarch 1, 1892, Miss Elizabeth Ring, who was born and
educated in "Whitley County. Mi-. Salmon worked for some years in a
saw mill. He finally bought the old farm in "Whitley County, but in
March, 1894, moved to Kosciusko County and acquired a good farm of
eighty acres where he ajid his family now reside, ilr. Salmon has
prospered here as a general farmer and stock raiser and is a man who
takes an active interest in local welfare. He has served as a member
of the township adyisorj- board and politically votes the republican
ticket.
Mr. and ilrs. Salmon had three children. The daughter Neva was
graduated from the common schools and died about the time she at-
tained womanhood. Garth B. is a graduate of the common schools and
the local high school, spent one term in Winona and one term in Han-
over College, and is still living at home. The youngest is Dorothy,
aged sixteen years. All the family are members of the Presbyterian
Church at Pierceton and Mr. Salmon is one of its elders.
John L. Boggs, whose concentrated energies through a long period
of years have been directed to farming and who owns one of the good
places on route No. 6 out of Warsaw, is a member of one of the very
earliest families to establish their homes in the wilderness of what is
now Kosciusko County. His father was in fact in this county before
it was organized and about the time the boundaries were laid out.
Mr. Boggs' grandparents were Andrew and Susannah (Bowen)
Boggs, both of whom were born in Greenbrier County, Yirginia. They
came to Indiana in 1825, about the time Indianapolis was established
as a city, and made their home in Wayne County and from there
moved to Henry Count}-, where Susannah Boggs died ilay 4, 1834.
Her husband soon afterward located in Blackford County, where he
married a second time. He served as a justice while living in Delaware
and Blackford counties and was also associate judge of the latter
county. He was a man of affairs and was one of the proprietoi-s of
Hartford City, county seat of Blackford County. After a long and
useful life he died January 27, 1854.
The father of ]Mr. John L. Boggs was Andrew Hamilton Boggs, who
was bom in Jackson County. Ohio, March 7, 1821. He was four vears
HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY 663
old when brought to Indiana and grew to manhood in Wayne, Henry
and Blackford counties. The sons of the early settlers had very little
opportunity to obtain what would now be called a very liberal educa-
tion, since public schools in the modern sense of the term did not then
exist in Indiana. But he wisely made use of such advantages as came
to him, and developed a good mind, a resourceful energy, and a char-
acter that entitled him to the respect of all who knew him. At the age
of fourteen he was practically thrown upon his own resources. At that
time, in the spring of 1835, he accompanied two of his brothers from
"Wayne County to LaPorte County, making the entire journey on foot.
He and his brothers worked for a time as farm laborers at ten dollars
a month. Later he pursued his journey to Peru in the Miami Reserve,
but ni the fall of 1835 came to Kosciusko County. For a time he made
his home with his brother-in-law Joel L. Long," near Leesburg. Then
followed years of toil and careful economy in order to realize his ambi-
tion to become a farmer, and land owner, and eventually he acquired
a generous property in Prairie Township of Kosciusko County, where
he lived until his death. He was a democrat in politics and was a mem-
ber of the Seventh Adventist Church.
Andrew H. Boggs married, December 14, 1843, JIartha Ann
Thomas, daughter of Antepas and Axsa Thomas, also natives of Ten-
nessee. The Thomas family were also among the pioneers of Kosciusko
County, arriving here in the fall of 1835. Mrs. Andrew H. Boggs died
June 3, 1886. She was a member of the Christian Church. They had
a large family of children, and those now living are.- Axsa, wife of
Samuel Anglin, of Wausau ; Thomas W., a farmer in Clay Township;
John L. ; Ellen; Samuel, who lives in Kosciusko Countv:" Jennie, wife
of Edward Shinn, of Oklahoma ; Harvey D. of Prairie Township.
John L. Boggs was born on his father's farm in Prairie Township
January 7, 1855. In that locality he gi-ew to manhood and acquired an
education in the district schools and was a worker on the home place
to the age of twenty-three.
On October 25, 1880, he married Miss Rosa Norris. Mrs. Boggs was
born in Prairie Township and at the age of three years was left an
orphan. She found a good home with Mr. Horn in Elkhart County
and was given a good common school education. After their marriage
Mr. and Mrs. Boggs rented his father 's farm in Prairie Township for
seven years, and then bought his present place in Monroe Township,
comprising ninety-six acres, devoted to general fanning and stock
raising.
He and his wife have three children : Andrew H., a graduate of
the common schools who lives on his father's farm, married Ruble
Fisher. He also owns fifty-three acres of his own. Virginia, the sec-
ond child, is the wife of Calvin Smith, owner of a eood farm of sixty
acres in Clay Township. Mattie is the wife of Walter S. Scott, of
Jlonroe Township. Mr. Boggs has seven grandchildren, five bovs and
two girls. In politics he is a democrat.
Charles W. Smith is one of the prosperous farm owners and well
known citizens of Washington Township and for his success the credit
664 HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY
is due almost entirely to his individual efforts and his steadfast hon-
esty and integrity.
Mr. Smith was born in Richland Township, Holmes County, Ohio,
August 13, 1848. He is a son of Peter and Hannah (Patton) Smith.
His father was born in Ontario, Canada, and his mother in Pennsyl-
vania. Peter Smith grew to maturity in Canada and then moved to
New York State, where he married a iliss Springenberger. She died
in New York State, the mother of eleven children. Later he moved to
Pennsylvania and married Miss Hannah Patton, and they finally
brought their family to Holmes County, Ohio, where they spent their
last years. Peter Smith was a very successful man in handling his
affairs whether farming or business, and owned a large place of 400
acres. He was the father of twenty-six children by his two wives.
Charles W. Smith grew up on a farm in Holmes County, Ohio, and
had training afforded by the public schools of his day. When a single
man he moved to Indiana and in Allen County he mariied Miss Clara
Bushong. After their marriage they located on a farm in Allen
County and he acquired forty acres there. Selling that they moved
to Kosciusko County and bought forty acres in Washington Township,
and now own a well improved place of eighty acres li/^ miles southwest
of Pierceton, on rural route No. 2. Mr. Smith is a republican in poli-
tics, but has never sought any of the honors of public affairs. He is a
general farmer and stock raiser, and a man whose reputation is one of
the best in his part of the county.
Mr. Smith has been twice married. His first marriage, to Clara
Bushong, occurred March 26, 1876. His second marriage, to AUie
Zinninger, occurred April 12, 1899.
Milton I. Koontz. One of the names that is well know^l to the
people of Kosciusko County as representing expert agricultural ability
and sound citizenship is that of Milton I. Koontz, who grew up in this
county and has distinguished himself by his progressive measures and
achievements as a farmer of Monroe Township.
Mr. Koontz was born in Jennings County, Indiana, September 27,
1882, a son of William and Hannah (Bowman) Koontz. His parents
were married in Ohio and both were born on the same day, month and
year. The father died in 1908. From Ohio they moved to Jennings
County, Indiana, and in 1887 located in Monroe Township of Kosci-
usko County, where they had their home the rest of their lives. Will-
iam Koontz was a very well to do farmer, and his efforts enabled him
to accumulate a large property of 390 acres. He was a member of
the Masonic Lodge and in politics a republican. William Koontz and
wife have four children : Sadie, wife of Frank Richards, of Whitley
County, Indiana ; Rilla, widow of Charles Bamhart ; Calvin M., of
Monroe Township ; and Milton.
Milton I. Koontz has lived in Kosciusko County since he was five
years old. He was educated in the common schools of Monroe Town-
ship and lived at home until his marriage to Miss Elnore Workman.
Mrs. Koontz is a native of Kosciusko County and was reared and edu-
cated here.
• HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY 665
After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Koontz settled on 160 acres
which he bought from his father's estate. He has made a splendid suc-
cess both in his fields and in the handling of his livestock. The farm
equipment of the Koontz place measures up to the very best found
anywhere in the county. The barn is in its main dimensions 40 by 60
feet, with an L 30 by 40 feet. There is a basement under the entire
structure and it has capacity for holding an immense amount of stock
and farm matei-ial. The Koontz home is one that many city people
might envy. It contains nine rooms, is furnace heated, and has all
the up-to-date conveniences and facilities.
Mr. and Mrs. Koontz are the parents of five children : Leota, Am-
men, Esther, Ruth and Marie. Fraternally Mr. Koontz is affiliated
with the ^Modern Woodmen of America and in politics is a republican.
Calvin M. Koontz is one of the substantial element of agricul-
turists in Kosciusko County and is said to have one of the best kept
farm homes in Monroe Township. This farm is known by the popular
name of Woodside Farm and comprises ninety-five well cultivated
and managed acres located Sy^ miles northwest of South Whitley, on
rural route No. 3.
Mr. Koontz was born in Columbiana County, Ohio, February 19,
1880, son of William and Hannah Bauman Koontz. Three weeks
after his birth his parents moved to Indiana and located in Jennings
County and eight years later came to Kosciusko County, where Cal-
vin M. Koontz has spent all his subsequent years. He was educated
in the common schools and also in ]\Ianchester College.
Mr. Koontz has two children, Thelma, aged ten years, and Edith
Stafford. The latter is the daughter of his wife by a former mar-
riage. Thelma is his first wife's child. In 1914 Mr. Koontz married
Mrs. Zelma Idle Stafford, daughter of T. H. Idle.
Mr. Koontz is a very active and prominent member of the Chris-
tian Church, being president of the board of trustees and serving as
superintendent of the Sunday school now in his eighth year, and for
four years was superintendent of the Monroe Township Sunday
School Association and is now its vice president. He is affiliated with
Springfield Lodge No. 213 of the Independent Order of Odd Fel-
lows, and is part grand of the lodge and member of the Encamp-
ment. He is also affiliated with the Modern Woodmen of America
and in politics is a republican. He has been party committeeman,
and in many other ways takes an active interest in local affairs.
Abraham Pfleiderer. A mark of special esteem and confidence
has been reposed in Abraham Pfleiderer by his fellow citizens in
Monroe Township, who have continuously kept him in the office of
township assessor for the past eight years.
Mr. Pfleiderer was born in Liberty Township of Crawford County,
Ohio, December 19, 1846, a son of David and Mary (Hackenleble)
Pfleiderer. His father was born in Germany December 4, 1822, and
was brought to this country by his parents in the fall of 1830, when
only eight years old. The Pfleiderers located in Crawford County,
666 HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY
Ohio, where David Pfleiderer grew to manhood and married Mary
Hackenleble, a native of Crawford County. Their children were:
Linda iloore, Anna Stafford, Mary Huffman, James B., Clara Sim-
mons, ilattie Fridle and Abraham.
Abraham Ptleiderer grew up in Ohio and has been a practical
farmer of Jlonroe Township for many years. He is a member of the
Baptist Church and in politics a democrat, has served as supervisor,
as township committeeman and. was appointed to the ofBce of assessor
in 1911. He is now in his second four-year term.
!Mr. Pfleiderer married Sarah A. Wert, who was bom in Sandusky
Township of Crawford County, Ohio, June 16, 1844, daughter of John
and Saloma (Shaffer) Wert. Her parents were both natives of
Pennsylvania but spent their last years in Crawford County, Ohio.
In the Wert family were seven children, three of whom are still
living: J. B. Wert, of Carrollton, Ohio; Eliza Roop. now living with
Mr. and Mrs. Pfleiderer; and Sarah A.
Mr. Pfleiderer has twenty grandchildren and four great-grand-
children.
WiLLi.\ii E. Merrick is one of those fortunate men who possess
farms and landed interests in Kosciusko County. He has lived in
this county all his life, came to manhood with ample experience and
training in what has proved his permanent vocation, and gradually
from year to year has accumulated a property and the other inter-
ests that furnish a solid basis of satisfaction and comfort. His home
is in Washington Towiiship, 2iy4 miles southwest of Piercetou, on
rural route No. 2.
Mr. Merrick was born in Van Buren Township of this county
July 13, 1864, son of Henry Edward and Mahala E. (Wright) :Mer-
rick. The ilerricks are a pioneer family in Kosciusko County. His
grandfather, Richard H. ilerrick, was born in Montgomery County,
Maryland, August 10, 1813, and during his early life there followed
teaming and blacksmithing. He had a very limited education. In
Maryland June 6, 1837, he married Miss Nancy Halbert, who was
born in Morgan County, Virginia, daughter of Noah and Susan Hal-
bert. In 1848 Richard H. Merrick moved from Maryland to Mont-
gomery County, Ohio, and in 1857 came to Kosciusko County. For
seven years he worked the farm of William Felkner south of Milford,
and afterwards owned and improved eighty acres in Monroe Town-
ship. He died November 29, 1884. He was a member and for many
years an elder in the Christian Church and his widow belonged to
the same denomination. They had three children, Henrietta S., who
married 0. O. Felkner, Henrj- Edward, and Mary C, who married
ilyron Potter.
Henry E. IMerrick was born in Maryland and was a small boy
when brought to Kosciusko County. He grew up on a farm in Van
Buren Township, had a common school education supplemented by
a course in Hillsdale College in ^Michigan, and for a number of years
he was a successful teacher. On July 4, 1863, Henry Edward Mer-
rick married JIahala Wright, who was bcrn in Kosciu.sko County
HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY 667
August 28, 1843, and spent all her life in this county, ilr. Merriek
died in 1911 and his wife in November, 1917. He was very active in
the affairs of the Christian Church, which he served as an officer, and
was a democratic in politics. He and his wife had eii^ht children, two
of whom died young. Those still living are : William E. ; Charles
E., of Monroe Township; Frank M., of Milford ; Neil W., of South
Bend; Harry E., of Youngstown, Ohio; and Ralph E., of Elkhart
County, Indiana.
William E. Merrick lived on a farm in Van Buren Township
to the age of sixteen. His early advantages were supplied by the
public schools of Milford and Monroe Township, and he also attended
the County Normal and the College at Valparaiso. His early work,
like that of his father, was as a teacher, and he had nine terms of
teaching to his credit in this county.
November 8, 1888, he married Sarah A. Frank. She was born in
Wood County, Ohio. August 13. 1874, daughter of Thornton and
Catherine (Wiley) Frank. Her father was bom in Fayette County,
Pennsylvania, April 20, 1832, and moved to Wood County, Ohio, in
1843. " He married there December 20, 1860, Catherine Wiley, who
was bom in Wood County June 16, 1840, daughter of James M. and
Sarah (Wright) Wiley. James M. Wiley was born in 1809. Thorn-
ton Frank enlisted in Company E of the One Hundred and Forty-
fourth Ohio Infantry for service in the Civil war.
After his marriage William E. Merrick began farming in Monroe
Township, and after three years moved across the road fi'om his
former place to his present farm in Washington Townshin. Five chil-
dren were born to them. Dongola, born October 4, 1890, is now de-
ceased ; Alaroma, born July 10, 1894, is the wife of Frank Green, of
Piereeton, and they have one daughter, a granddaughter of Mr. and
Mrs. Merrick, named Sarah E. Green, who was born January 1,
1913. Bunola, the third child, was born February 10, 1897, is a
graduate and post-graduate of the Piereeton High School, and is
now the wife of Walter W. Wiggs. Catherine, next youngest of the
family, was born August 5, 1907, and is a student in the common
schools, while the youngest, Donnabelle, was bom July 31, 1912, and
has already begun her schooling. The family are members of the
^Methodist Episcopal Church at Piereeton and Mr. Merrick has sei-ved
as church trustee. He is affiliated with the Modern Woodmen of
America and in politics is a democrat.
Edgar H. Henderson has been individually carrying the burdens
of agriculture in Kosciusko County for a number of years. Business
has prospered under his hand and he has enjoyed many of the
good things of life, including a good home and the riches of esteem
paid him by his fellow citizens.
Mr. Henderson's home is in Washington Township on rural route
No. 2 out of Piereeton. He is a native of Ohio, born in Perry County
October 11, 1880, son of George and Almeda (Voorhes) Henderson.
His parents were also natives of Perry County, Ohio, were married
there and in 1885 brought their family to Wayne Township of Kos-
668 HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY
ciusko County. They are active members of the :\Iethodist Episcopal
Church at Warsaw and the father is a prohibitionist. They have
five children: Ruth, wife of J. W. Keefer, of Monmouth, Illinois;
Edgar H. ; Margaret, wife of Harry Van ]\Ieter, of Wayne Town-
ship; Edith, a graduate of the Warsaw High School and now a
stenographer at Elkhart; and Harold, who married Chloe Thomp-
son and who as a United States soldier took part in the :Mexican
trouble in 1916 and is now with the army cantonment at Hatties-
burg, Mississippi.
Edgar H. Henderson was five years old when brought to Kosciusko
County. He grew up in this locality, was educated in the district
schools and remained at home to the age of twenty. He first married
Bertha E. Funk, daughter of S. C. Funk and member of an old and
prominent family of this county. Mrs. Henderson died in January,
1912, the mother of four children, :Mary, Ward, Edith B. and Fred.
Fred is now deceased. Mr. Henderson married for his present wife
Edith E. Hawkins. They have two young children, Russell, aged four,
and Ralph, aged two. Mr. Henderson is affiliated with the Inde-
pendent Order of Odd Fellows and the Loyal Order of Moose and in
politics is a republican. His farm comprises forty-three acres in
section 30 of Washington Township.
J. R. Hover, editor and proprietor of the Pierceton Record, is
descended from one of the first pioneer families of Kosciusko County.
Four generations of the Hovers have lived in this county. His father
and great-grandfather bore the name Peter and they lived a portion
of their lives at least in Kosciusko County. They came to the county
in 1837, locating in the vicinity of where the Village of Wooster
now stands in Washington Township. When the first election was
held in that township there were only five voters and grandfather
Peter Hover was one of them. The Hovers as a rule have been agi-i-
culturists and in politics their affiliation has been steadily with the
republican party since it was organized. The family also' furnished
charter members to the Presbj-terian Church at Warsaw. Peter H.
Hover, father of the Pierceton editor, spent his active life as a farmer
in this county, and in religion he first was a member of the Baptist
Church and later belonged to the United Brethren denomination. He
married Lucy Van Ness, a native of Logan County, Ohio. Of their
five children three are still living : George A., of Stillwater, Oklahoma ;
Ida, wife of H. G. Mickey, of Pierceton ; and J. R. Hover.
J. R. Hover was born at Wooster in Washington Township March
7, 1870, and grew up in agricultural surroundings. He attended the
public schools at Wooster. leaving at the age of sixteen. For about
twenty years Mr. Hover suffered from rheumatism, almost to the
extent of being completely incapacitated for regular work. He has
always been a busy man, and in May, 1910, bought the Pierceton
Record which he has siiccessfully managed and edited since that
date. He is now serving his third consecutive term as town clerk and
is a leader in the republican party.
Mr. Hover married Miss Effa L. Yohn, of Pierceton. They are
members of the Christian Science Church at Wai-saw.
HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY 669
William Kirkendall, a prosperous farmer of Washington Town-
ship, represents a family that has been identified with Kosciusko
County for over eighty years. The good and substantial qualities of
the race are exemplified in the career of Mr. William Kirkendall, who
began life with practically no means and assets but has promoted him-
self until he is now proprietor of one of the excellent farms of the
county.
Mr. Kirkendall was born near Milford, Indiana, May 19, 1868,
son of Jacob and Christiana (Cook) Kirkendall. Both parents were
natives of Ohio and came to Kosciusko County when young people.
They married and then settled on a farm near Milford, where the
mother died. The only daughter died at the age of twelve years. Her
name was ^Mary. William Kirkendall lost his mother in early infancy,
and after that was reared by his grandfather Cook. His grandfather
gave him a good home and sent him to school, but at the age of twelve
years practically made him manager of the Cook farm. Mr. Kirken-
dall remained there with added responsibilities and duties until he was
twenty-three years old.
On March 19, 1894, he married Miss Minnie Wilkinson, a native of
Noble County, Indiana, but reared in Whitley County. After their
marriage Mr. and Mrs. Kirkendall settled near the A-Square School-
house on twenty acres of land and gradually added to this until he had
a farm of eighty acres. He finally traded that for the 158 acres where
he now lives and this home and property represents his substantial
achievements.
Mr. and Mrs. Kirkendall have three children, Fred, Hazel and
Blanche, all of whom have received the best advantages of the local
schools. Mr. Kirkendall is a democrat in politics.
Floyd Striebt is a present trustee of Turkey Creek Township. In
every way he has justified the expectations of "his fellow citizens who
elected him to that office and it is highly consistent that a member of
the Strieby family should be endowed with these responsibilities. The
Striebys are a deep rooted stock of Kosciusko County and their names
and activities have been a factor in Turkey Creek Township for four-
score years.
The family was established here by William Strieby, grandfather
of Floyd. William was born in Pennsylvania March 23, 1811, a son
of John and Maria (Richel) Strieby, also natives of Pennsylvania.
In the same year that William was born his parents moved to Tusca-
rawas County, Ohio, and he grew up there and married. His father
died in Tuscarawas County in 1841 and his mother in 1839.
December 28, 1830, in Tuscarawas County. William Strieby mar-
ried Elizabeth Stiffler, who was born in Bedford County, Pennsyl-
vania, March 17, 1814, and was only three weeks old when her parents
moved to Stark County, Ohio. Her father, Conrad Stiffler, was born
in Huntington County, Pennsylvania, in 1792, and her mother, Rachel
(Fitters) Stiffler, was born in the same county in 1789. Several of the
Stiffler children were early settlei-s in Kosciusko County.
The migration which brought the Strieby family into Kosciusko
670 HISTOKT OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY
County occurred in July, 1836. The removal was made with two
yoke of oxen, a covered wagon, and besides household goods they
brought with them two cows and two yearling heifers. William
Strieby bought eighty acres of land in Van Buren Township, but in
the following April sold and acquired the 160 acres in section 29 of
Turkey Creek Township in which locality he had his home the rest
of his life. The trials and adversities which beset the pioneers can
be told from the experiences of "William Strieby. He paid ten dollars
for the first barrel of salt he used in this county. His round log
cabin was burned down soon after it was completed, and in order
to re-establish himself he made the journey back to Ohio on foot to
secure money for the pxirchase of his place in Turkey Creek Town-
ship. One of the main sources of dependence for provisions was
the venison which could be had in abundance. He frequently hunted
deer and sold the meat for three cents a pound. At times the family
lived on a diet of potatoes, venison and pumpkins. "William Strieby
bought corn and paid sixty cents a bushel for the first lot and seventy-
five cents for the next quantity. He had a wife who was equal to
every emergency and without her encouragement and assistance the
family would doubtless have returned to Ohio. She helped to clear
many an acre of land, cutting all the small timber and even accom-
panied her husband in hunting deer. As a result of hardships and
prevalent fever and ague the family became so discouraged in the fall
of 1837 that they determined to return to Ohio. A purchaser was
found for their cows but in a day or so ]\Irs. Strieby decided it would
be better for them all if they remained. She was an expert in all
the housewifely accomplishments of her time, spinning and weaving
wool and yarn and flax and making all the clothing used in the home.
She frequently dug up ginseng and lady slipper roots, for which there
was an active commercial demand, and at one time she sold a quantity
for forty-six dollars. The first wheat harvest was hauled with ox
teams to Michigan City in 1840 and sold for two and a half cents a
bushel. Large quantities of butter were produced on the farm and
it sold for about twelve and a half cents a pound. ]Mrs. Strieby once
carried twenty-five or thirty pounds of butter to .Milford, a distance
of eight miles.
For all these early disadvantages Mr. and ]Mrs. "William Strieby
were greatly prospered in the course of years, and besides their home
farm of about 240 acres they gave their children land and money and
saw them all well established. On December 28, 1880, "William Strieby
and wife celebrated their golden wedding anniversary and though
it was one of the coldest days of the winter, nearly fourscore people
gathered to do them honor. Before they died they could count nearly
sixty grandchildren, and over thirty gi-eat-grandchildren. Their
children born in Tuscarawas County were Henry. Anna, and Andrew,
while those natives of Kosciusko County were "William, -Joel, Elizabeth,
John, Conrad, Sarah, Alfred. Minerva and Barbara.
John B. Strieby, father of Floyd, was born in Turkey Creek
Township February 23, 1844, and was one of the sons of the family
who served in the Union army. He enlisted in 1864 in Company G
HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY 671
of the 38th Indiana Infantry, joining his regiment in Coldsboro, North
Carolina. He was on detail service between Chattanooga and Atlanta,
around Nashville, and received his honoral)le disduu-ge July 15, 1865.
After the war he engaged in farming, and ac(iuired over "a hundred
acres of land in section 28 of Turkey Creek Township. He was an
active member of the United Brethren church, and in polities a re-
publican. John B. Strieby married on October 14, 1866, Delilah
Cable. She was born in Turkey Creek Township, June 19, 1847,
daughter of Cornelius and Margaret (Mock) Cable. John B. Strieby
and wife had four children: Ida, born November 9, 1867, wife of
Richard Guy, a former trustee of Turkey Creek Township ; Alfaretta.
born September 15, 1869, wife of David Clayton, of Turkev Creek
Township; Floyd; and John Franklin, born August 4, 1877, who
fai*ms the old homestead.
Mr. Floyd Strieby was born in Turkey Ci'cek Township, 0<tobei-
10, 1871. He has spent all his life in the locality of his birth, was
educated in the local schools, and the cultivation of the land has
claimed the largest share of his energies since early manhood. He
ov^^ls sixty acres and is a general farmer and stock raiser.
In 1894 he married Miss Stella Whitehead, dauorhter of J. A. and
Martha (Blanchard) Whitehead. She was reared and educated in
Turkey Creek Township. They have two children. Mai-ie, a araduate
of the common school and the Syracuse High School, was a college
student three years and taught school several years. She is living at
home. George, a gi'aduate of the common schools, is also at home.
Mrs. Strieby is a member of the Radical United Brethren Church. In
politics he is a republican. He was first appointed and served
one year as township trustee and was then elected foi' the regu'ar term
of four years. Mr. Strieby has done much to maintain tlie best
standards of the township schools and has proved honest, competent
and efficient in every responsibility whether official or of a private
nature.
Russell H. Butler was born August 7, 1876, at Plymouth, Mar-
shall County, Indiana. Three years later his fatiier. Harris E. Butler,
disposed of his business interests and entered the ministry, which
calling he faithfully followed for forty years over vai-ions fields of
labor scattered throughout the northern half of Uidiana. familiarly
known to members of the United Brethren Church as St. -losrph Cnn-
ference. From place to place the family was shifted that the fiither
might labor for the betterment of mankind. Althoutrh tlie > cai-s were
filled with privations and disappointments, the father's faith never
wavered and every trial only served to strengthen his detei-mination
for greater service. It was this s;iiiMt of service he instilled in tlie
members of his familv.
In the fall of 1897'the family moved ti'om Albion, Indiana, U> War-
saw. Since then Russell H. Bntler has been a resident of this
county. He was educated in the common seiiools of Westfield. Ful-
ton, Logansport, Galveston and Dayton. Indiana. His high school
education was completed in Albion in 1896. The following yeai' he
Vol. n— 19
672 HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY
pui-sued a literary course in North Manchester College ; 1901-02 were
spent in Northwestern Universitj'.
When President McKinley issued his call for volunteers for the
Spanish-American war, Russell H. Butler, who was away from home,
responded to the call and enlisted June 27, 1898, at Plymouth, in
Company JI, 157th Indiana Volunteer Infantry, under Col. George M.
Studehaker, and was sent into training at Port Tampa. Florida. On
his return from the service he enlisted as a sergeant in Company H..
Indiana National Guard, June 20, 1900. The family points with pride
to its record as defenders of home, country and liberty.
The great-great-grandfather, Uriah Butler, was a soldier in the
American revolution. The grandfather, Alfred Austin Butler, served
in the Mexican war of 1846. also during the Civil war. The father.
Rev. H. E. Butler, was one of Indiana's youngest .soldiers in the Civil
war, where he spent the better part of three years of his young life.
His uncle, Richard Butler, served in the Philippine Islands during
the Spanish-American struggle.
The mother of Russell Butler was Rebecca Uncapher Butler,
daughter of Israel and ^Margaret ITneapher. The Uncaphers came
from Saxony, Germany, in colonial days and settled in Virginia on
the Lord F'airfax estate at an annual rental of two pounds, fifteen
shillings and six pence. They were neighbors of George Washington.
One member of the famil.v. Dr. Abigal Uncapher, was twice elected to
Congress from Mar.vland.
May 12, 1902, R. H. Butler married Elizabeth Vindora Foreman,
the youngest of a family of six girls born to Daniel and Malinda
Foremen of Goshen, Indiana. She was educated in the common and
high .school at Goshen. When she was but a mere child her fathei'
died and before completing high". school the death of her mother left
her an orphan. To this union was born one child, Wilbur Foreman
Butler, March 11, 1903, a graduate of the common schools and a mem-
ber of the high .scliool. The family are all members of the Presbyte-
rian Church and prominently identified with the church's activities.
Mr. Butler has served as a teaehei- and superintendent for several
.vears in the Siniday school. Under his leadership the school increased
to over five hundred in mendjership. He is a true blue republican
in politics and has taken much interest in his party in recent years.
He defeated five of his opponents in the fii-st primarv election, involv-
ing county candidates ever held in Kosciusko County. Jla.v 7. 1918,
and was elected to the office of county clerk November o, 1918, by an
overwhelming majority. Nearly nine years of his life were spent in
the employ of the postal department of the government. He resigned
this position to engas-e in business for himself. In 1908 lie establisheil
The W. F. Butler Company and did an extensive business, through
catalogue, with more than 10,000 schools throughout the states and
the island possessions. When the United States entered the World's
war the business was suspended.
Rev. N. D. Shackelford. A pioneer ^Methodist minister of North-
ern Indiana, well remembered by many citizens of Kosciusko County,
HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUOTY 673
the late Rev. Mr. Shackelford prosecuted his unselfish labors in
the hearts and bettei- natures of his fellow men and was the type ai
man whose-memory endures because of the thousand acts of kind-
ness and of love which he performed as he went through the world.
A native of Ohio, he was born in Fayette County October 22,
1826. He was reared on a farm and educated in district schools.
At the age of nineteen he came with his parents to Wabash County,
Indiana, and soon afterwards was ' converted to Christianity and
joined the Methodist Episcopal Church. He early decided to dedi-
cate his life to the cause of the Master, and having become an ex-
horter was ordained to the ministry in 1853 and admitted to the
_ North Indiana Conference. For forty years he was engaged in
active ministerial work, and with the exception of three years spent
in the Southern Illinois Conference his labors were confined to North-
ern Indiana. As is the custom of Methodist ministers, he moved
from station to station, and there are many communities which have
grateful remembrance of his work and infiuenee. He became widely
known for his piety and his exalted character.
In 1891 Rev. Mr. Shackelford retired from active ministerial work,
but the habits of four decades had become a part of his nature and
he never wholly gave up preaching.
On May 2, 1854, he married Mary J. Wilson. She was his help-
mate in woi'd and deed and his chief adviser for nearly half a cen-
tury.
While the late Mr. Shackelford did not acquire wealth in the ma-
terial sense of the word, he enjoyed the riches of esteem, and passed
away happy in his religious faith. His death occurred at Warsaw
Febniai-y 7, 1900. Mrs. Shackelford was born in Ross County, Ohio,
October 14, 1832, a daughter of Philip and Sarah (Holiday) Wilson.
Her death occurred December 7, 1911.
Tiffin J. Shackelford, M. D. The spirit of service in Rev. N. D.
Shackelford was continued and represented in Kosciusko County
many years by his son, the late Dr. Tiffin J. Shackelford, who prac-
ticed medicine there over thirty years.
He was born February 12, 1855, while his parents were living in
Clinton County, Indiana. He gained his early education in several
different localities. He graduated from the Logansport High School,
and in 1879, after .some preliminary study, he entered the College
of Phj^sicians and Surgeons at Baltimore and was graduated M. D.
in 1882. He served as interne in the Maryland Woman's Hospital
and for one year was resident physician of that institution. In the
fall of 1883 he became- a resident of Warsaw. - His standing as a
physician and man was the very highest, until his death more than
thirty years later. He was always a student of his profession, tak-
ing post-graduate courses in New York, Chicago and Baltimore. He
was active in those civic, educational and commercial affairs that are
most familiar in the city of Warsaw. He served on the County Board
of Health for years and as secretary of the City Health Board foi-
several years. He was president and secretary of the County Me«Ji-
«74 HISTORY OP KOSCIOSKO COUNTY
t-al Society several times, and in 1914 was president of the Thirteenth
District Medical Society. He was identified with the Indiana State
Medical Association, the American Medical Association, was a Knight
of Pythias and past eminent commander of Warsaw Commandery No.
10 of the Knight Templar Masons. He was a director of the Lake
City Bank, and at his death was first vice president. In many In-
diana households a much prized volume is that entitled "Indiana
Writers of Poems and Prose," published in 1902. In this volume,
among selections by John Hay, Whitcomb Riley, Charles Major, Lew
Wallace and many other noted Indiana authors, there is a poem from
the pen of Doctor Shackelford.
June 5, 1902, he married Mrs. Emma Irlaud, a daughter of John
Grabner, a Kosciusko County citizen whose career is briefly referred
to in following sketch.
Dr. T. J. Shackelfoi'd died November 17, 1915, among his friends
of many years' service at Warsaw, Ind. He was busy ministering to
the sick up to within a few hours of his death and was stricken while
on a duty of his profession. He prized his many friendships and
never betrayed the trust of his patrons, all of whom honored him
with their confidence.
John Grabner. For fully half a century, and until his death at
the age of fourscore and ten, John Grabner was one of the best known
and most valuable citizens of Warsaw.
He was born in Germany November 24, 1827, and was a small
boy when brought to America. He came over on a sailing vessel
and his youth and early manhood were spent in and around Mans-
field, Ohio. He eventual!}' entered the railroad service and for eigh-
teen years had charge of a locomotive either as fireman or engineer.
On moving to Warsaw, Indiana, in 1865, he became a hardware
merchant on a small scale. That business continued as part of his
enterprises the rest of his life. It became the oldest hardware store
under one proprietorship in Kosciusko County. John Grabner was
steadily prospered, having that within him which supplemented his
untiring industry and enabled him to succeed in all his affairs. He
was for many years interested in agriculture, becoming the owner
of more than 600 acres in Kosciusko County. Early in the history
of the Lake City Bank he became a stockholder, and during his' later
years was president of that institution.
Though reared in the Roman Catholic religion his spiritual views
changed, and for nearly half a centurj- he was identified with the
Methodist Episcopal Church. Fraternally he was a Mason and a
Knight Templar. Politically he was a republican.
C. Leroy Leonard has for many jears played an important role
in the business affairs of Silver Lake and surrounding community.
He is proprietor of the Leonard Supply Company of that town, and
is also one of the prominent stock men of Kosciusko County.
Mr. Leonard was born in Miami County. Indiana, March 6, 1863,
a son of Thomas and Mary (Love) Leonard. His father was born in
HISTORY OF KOSCIUSKO COUNTY ti7r)
Henry County, Indiana, and when he was a boy his parents settled
at Mexico in Miami County. C. Leroy Leonard spent his boyhood
days on a farm not far from Macy, Indiana, and attended the dis-
trict schools during the winter terms. At the age of nineteen he came
to Silver Lake and in April, 1884, at the age of twenty-one, married
Clara Bilger, of that town. She was born in Ohio and came to Kos-
ciusko County when a small girl. Mr. Leonard for a number of years
was employed by his father-in-law, John Bilger, in the hardware busi-
ness. During seven years in the store he learned the business in evei7
detail and then for twelve years was a traveling salesman, represent-
ing agricultural and harvesting machinery. He also had an inter-
est in a business of his own, but sold that and took up farming and
stock business, and later established his present supply house. Mr.
Leonard is widely known among the Shorthorn cattle men of the state.
He is a member and director in the Fort Wayne District Shorthorn
Breeders' Association and president of the Kosciusko County Short-
horn Breeders' Association. He also has some fancy hogs of the big
type Pola 
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